A week after we first reported it, the BBC has confirmed that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be the new double act presenting Strictly Come Dancing when it returns to our screens in the autumn.
Following the announcement last month of Sir Bruce Forsyth’s departure from the show, Tess and Claudia were strongly fancied to land the permanent slot together after impressing viewers with their on-screen chemistry in the weekly results show and Sir Bruce Forsyth’s occasional absences.
Presenting duties will now work with Tess taking Sir Bruce’s position introducing each of the dances and probing the judges for their reactions.
Claudia, who will be upstairs hosting the post-dance interviews, said: “I have loved Strictly since the second it appeared on our screens and I am honoured and thrilled to now be part of the Saturday night team.”
“Working alongside Tess is always fantastic and I can’t wait to spend the weekends with her, our amazing dancers and the greatest judging panel on the planet. Sir Bruce is a living legend and we'll all miss him very much.”
Tess said: “I’m so pleased that I’ll be working with Claudia - she’s long been part of the Strictly family and I’ve loved doing the Sunday show with her.
“It’s really exciting having two women host the show, and we are great mates so there’ll be lots of fun to be had on and off the dance floor, and of course I’ll look forward to being reunited with Brucie for the Children In Need and Christmas shows.”
Programme judge Bruno Tonioli recently declared he would love to see the duo given the role, when he said : “I’ll be delighted to have Tess and Claudia - they are fantastic, they work very well together.”
Show bosses are currently in talks to finalise the line-up for the professional dancers.
Charlotte Moore, the controller of BBC One said: “Tess and Claudia are a fantastic duo and natural successors to Strictly’s presenting line up now that Sir Bruce has decided to step down.
“Their commitment and passion for the show make them the perfect pairing to take Strictly into a new era.”
