Bradley Walsh ‘main favourite in the running for Strictly host’ after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s shock decision to quit BBC show

The iconic female duo, who have fronted the show together since 2014, announced their departure in an emotional social media video to fans last month.

And with many of the top names in telly rumoured to be in the running, The Chase presenter, 65, is also reportedly up there, in a move that would be a nod to the show’s original host Bruce Forsyth. 

Bradley would be likely to be joined by at least one female host such as former Strictly professional dancer Oti Mabuse, 35, or former contestant and It Takes Two presenter Fleur East, 38.

A source told The Sun: ‘Bradley is a real pro and has brilliant experience hosting live shows. His name has come up a few times with execs as many think he would be great.

‘Of course, he would have a female alongside him as part of a duo. Oti and Fleur are both frontrunners and also have great experience.

‘Bradley is popular with both old and young viewers and would bring some humour and an old school showbiz quality.’

The Daily Mail have approached Bradley’s representatives for comment. The BBC declined to comment on the speculation.

Bradley is one of the biggest names in TV, hosting iconic quiz show The Chase as well as the reboot of BBC’s Gladiators with his son Barney. 

Hannah Waddingham is another big name to have been thrown into the mix of potential replacement hosts for the show, as she joins the likes of Rylan Clark and Zoe Ball.

Earlier this week Zoe became the first major name to declare her interest in taking over presenting Strictly.

She admitted the role would be ‘amazing’ – just two months after questioning her decision to quit her £950,000 Radio 2 Breakfast Show.

The 54-year-old made the revelation on her Dig It podcast with fellow broadcaster Jo Whiley.

Speaking about the moment she heard the news, Zoe said: ‘I thought it was such a shocker for everyone – we were all like, what? 

‘My phone was going beep, beep! ‘What? Why did you not tell me this was happening?’ It’s like, ‘I didn’t know! Why would I know?”

The presenter was quick to pay tribute to the departing hosts, saying: ‘I just want to say to the girls, bravo. I think they’re both fab and they’re going to be a tough act to follow on that show.’

But when her co-host Jo asked her directly: ‘Would you like to do it?’, Zoe didn’t hold back, confessing: ‘I think everyone would like to do that job. It’s an amazing job. It’s the best Saturday night show. 

‘When I’m watching Ellie dancing with Vito or Lewis and Katya and Alex and JoJo…. they’re just so amazing. It still brings so much joy to people’s lives, that show. Whoever takes over will have the best gig in the world.’

She added: ‘Everyone’s going to want that job. There will be queues going around the block.’

Tess has fronted Strictly since its 2004 debut, while Claudia joined the main programme in 2014 after presenting its sister show It Takes Two from 2004 until 2010 – a role Zoe then held until 2021.

Zoe’s long association with the Strictly brand puts her among the frontrunners to replace the departing duo. 

As well as hosting the spin-off for a decade, she competed on the show itself – finishing as runner-up in 2005 with professional dancer Ian Waite.