A wave of emotion swept through the studio and into homes across the nation as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman concluded their final live broadcast of *Strictly Come Dancing*. The farewell was more than just a sign-off; it was the end of an era, marked by heartfelt goodbyes and a final, echoing plea: “Keeeeep dancing.”
The departure of these beloved hosts has ignited a frenzy of speculation, turning the ballroom into a hotbed of anticipation. Immediately, the bookmakers suspended betting – a clear signal that a frontrunner had emerged in the race to fill the coveted roles.
All eyes are now on Zoe Ball. The radio presenter isn’t a stranger to the *Strictly* universe, having captivated audiences as a contestant, graced *It Takes Two*, and even helmed the live shows in years past. Her recent departure from BBC Radio 2 has only fueled the belief that she’s poised to take the reins.
But Zoe isn’t the only name in contention. Bradley Walsh, a familiar face from ITV’s *The Chase* and the BBC’s *Gladiators*, has also been heavily discussed. Rumors swirled of Walsh frequenting the *Strictly* studio, sparking whispers of final negotiations with the network.
Alongside Walsh, the possibility of a dynamic duo with Alex Jones, host of *The One Show*, has been floated. Jones, a former *Strictly* contestant herself, is reportedly a devoted fan of the show, making her a potentially perfect partner.
The conversation then turned to Alan Carr, fresh off his win on *Celebrity Traitors*. While initially touted as a leading contender, reports surfaced – and were emphatically confirmed by Amanda Holden – that Carr is not pursuing the role.
Holly Willoughby, a seasoned presenter with a wealth of experience, including hosting *Dancing on Ice*, has also entered the fray, garnering significant attention and favorable odds. Her trusted presence could offer stability to the show.
Rylan Clark, a versatile personality with a BBC podcast and a popular Radio 2 show, is another strong contender. His infectious energy and established connection with the BBC make him a compelling choice.
Rob Rinder, known for his sharp wit and travel documentaries, has also been mentioned, sparking debate about whether his talents are better suited for the judging panel. His chemistry with Rylan, forged through previous BBC collaborations, adds another layer to the discussion.
Alison Hammond, a beloved figure who has been entertaining audiences since her breakout on *Big Brother* in 2002, is also in the mix. Her comedic timing and warm personality could bring a fresh dynamic to the show.
Angela Scanlon, a former *Strictly* contestant and current *One Show* presenter, has expressed her interest in the role, acknowledging the importance of the hosts’ chemistry and signaling her willingness to answer the call.
Finally, a wildcard contender has emerged: La Voix, the charismatic performer who was unfortunately forced to withdraw from this year’s competition due to injury. Fans have rallied behind La Voix, envisioning a vibrant and unforgettable presence at the helm of the show.
The future of *Strictly Come Dancing* hangs in the balance, poised for a new chapter. As the speculation continues, one thing remains certain: the search for the next hosts is captivating the nation, promising a thrilling reveal in the weeks to come.
The grand final of *Strictly Come Dancing* 2025 will air next Saturday at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, marking the culmination of another spectacular season.