The search for new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing has taken a significant turn, with reports suggesting that television presenter Christine Lampard has become the leading candidate. This follows the unexpected announcement in October that long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman would be leaving the iconic BBC show before the end of 2025.
From Contestant to Potential Host
The 46-year-old presenter, married to former footballer Frank Lampard, is no stranger to the Strictly ballroom. Christine Lampard competed in the 2008 series, partnered with professional dancer Matthew Cutler. This insider experience is seen as a major advantage. A source told the Daily Mail that producers "love the idea of casting a presenter who has previously taken part in the show as a contestant, as it has worked really well in the past on spin-off show It Takes Two."
The source also highlighted her extensive live television skills, stating: "She has a huge fanbase from her years fronting breakfast TV and is a pro at handling live TV, which is no mean feat." Her availability has reportedly increased due to schedule changes at ITV, where the weekday morning show Lorraine has been reduced to a 30-minute format.
The End of an Era for Strictly
The departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman marks a monumental shift for the programme. Daly has been the face of the show since its launch in 2004, with Winkleman joining as a co-host in 2010. Their exit announcement last year was met with shock from the show's legion of fans.
In a joint statement, they said: "We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time." They promised to enjoy the rest of the series and gave a heartfelt thanks to the BBC and the production team.
Senior BBC figures paid tribute. Kate Phillips, Chief Content Officer, called it "the end of an era," praising their "passion and dedication." Suzy Lamb, Managing Director of Entertainment at BBC Studios, added that they were "much more than presenters" and were considered part of the Strictly family.
A Crowded Field of Contenders
While Christine Lampard is currently the rumoured frontrunner, she is far from the only name linked to the coveted role. The rumour mill has been in overdrive since October, with a host of other television personalities reportedly in the frame.
Other speculated candidates include:
- The One Show presenter Alex Jones
- TV judge Rob Rinder
- Broadcaster Rylan Clark
- Former Big Brother star and This Morning host Alison Hammond
The series is expected to return to BBC One in August, with casting announcements likely to be made in the preceding weeks. The Mirror has approached representatives for both Christine Lampard and Strictly Come Dancing for comment on the speculation.
