Speculation is swirling around the future of several Strictly Come Dancing stars, with a new set of predictions forecasting major career moves before the end of 2026. Insights from Slingo's Bingo Card Generator tool, released on 18 December 2025, have highlighted the most likely next steps for the BBC show's beloved judges and presenters.
Judging Panel Shake-Up on the Cards
The most striking prediction centres on the show's longest-serving judge, Craig Revel Horwood. According to the data, he is priced at 7/4 to make a permanent move to RuPaul's Drag Race UK and exit the Strictly ballroom before the close of 2026. Celebrity PR Specialist Kayley Cornelius, speaking for Slingo, noted his theatrical flair and popularity make this a crossover many fans can envision.
Meanwhile, the hosting lineup could also see a refresh. Zoe Ball is tipped at 5/4 to become the next host of Strictly Come Dancing. This follows news of her stepping down from her BBC Radio 2 breakfast show and points to a potential major comeback to the series where she once served as a presenter on the companion show 'It Takes Two'.
From Ballroom to Broadcasting: Other Predicted Moves
The predictions aren't limited to the judging desk. This year's celebrity contestant, architect and presenter George Clarke, is the frontrunner for a significant career boost. He is the strongest favourite, priced at 4/6, to land a permanent radio presenting role on any station, capitalising on his warmth and growing public profile.
Other potential moves for the Strictly family include:
- Tess Daly launching a podcast with husband Vernon Kay, priced at 5/2.
- Claudia Winkleman announcing her own talk show before the end of 2026, priced at 4/1, potentially building on her huge success hosting The Traitors.
What This Means for the Future of Strictly
These insights underscore how Strictly Come Dancing continues to act as a powerful launchpad for careers across television, radio, and digital media. While the predictions are speculative, they reflect genuine audience and industry chatter about the natural evolution of the show's talent.
A potential departure of Craig Revel Horwood would mark the end of an era for the BBC's flagship entertainment programme. However, it could also pave the way for a new dynamic on the judging panel. Similarly, a return for Zoe Ball would bring a well-known and trusted BBC face back to the main stage. As the show looks ahead to 2026, these potential shifts promise to keep the Strictly universe as dynamic off the dancefloor as it is on it.
