Bookmakers have named Zoe Ball as the frontrunner to replace Tess Daly as main host of Strictly Come Dancing, sparking a wave of speculation across British television circles. The news, reported by The Independent, comes amid growing rumors that Daly — who has co-hosted the BBC One dance phenomenon since its 2004 debut — may be preparing to step back after nearly two decades. While no official announcement has been made by the BBC or BBC Studios, betting odds from Coral and Ladbrokes suggest the network is already quietly evaluating replacements. The twist? The leading candidates aren’t just TV personalities — they’re deeply woven into the show’s DNA.
Who’s in the running? The betting odds tell a story
Zoe Ball, the BBC Radio 2 presenter and veteran of BBC entertainment, sits at the top of the odds board — though bookmakers didn’t publish exact numbers. What’s clear is that she’s the only name with consistent, widespread traction across industry insiders. Her experience hosting the BBC’s New Year’s Eve specials and her warm, polished on-screen presence make her a natural fit for a show that values both glamour and gravitas.
But the real intrigue lies in the runners-up. Janette Manrara, a Filipino-British professional dancer who spent eight seasons on the Strictly dancefloor from 2013 to 2021, is priced at 3-1 by both Coral and Ladbrokes. That means a £10 bet on her would net you £40 — a strong signal that viewers and bettors see her as more than just a former contestant. She’s now co-hosting It Takes Two, the show’s weekday companion, alongside Fleur East, the singer who rose to fame on the 2005 series of The X Factor. Ladbrokes even has East at 2-1, shorter odds than Coral’s 4-1, suggesting a shift in momentum.
Then there’s Rylan Clark. The former X Factor contestant and Big Brother’s Bit on the Side host has been a familiar face on It Takes Two since 2019, and Coral notes "early support" for him in the betting markets. At 5-1 with Coral, he’s the dark horse — but his chemistry with the contestants and his ability to handle live, unpredictable moments could be exactly what the show needs.
And let’s not forget Alex Scott. The 41-year-old former footballer turned presenter has hosted Football Focus since 2021 and regularly fills in on The One Show. Though she never danced on Strictly, her broadcast poise and ability to connect with diverse audiences make her a compelling outsider candidate.
Why this matters — and why it’s not just about who’s next
Strictly Come Dancing isn’t just a TV show. It’s a cultural institution. It launches careers, breaks records, and draws 8 million viewers on Saturday nights. Tess Daly isn’t just a presenter — she’s the calm, reassuring heartbeat of the programme. Her partnership with Claudia Winkleman has defined the show’s tone: warm, witty, and deeply human. Replacing her isn’t like swapping a news anchor. It’s like changing the soul of a family tradition.
That’s why the betting odds are so revealing. They’re not just guessing who’s most likely — they’re reflecting what audiences *feel* they need. Janette Manrara? She knows the pressure of the dancefloor. Fleur East? She brings musical energy and relatability. Rylan Clark? He’s the cheeky, quick-witted friend you want beside you during a surprise elimination. Zoe Ball? She’s the reassuring voice you trust after a long week.
And here’s the thing: the BBC has never rushed these decisions. When Tess Daly stepped in as co-host in 2004, she was relatively unknown. Now, she’s iconic. Whoever follows her won’t be chosen for buzz — they’ll be chosen for longevity.
What’s next? The silence speaks volumes
As of now, not a single candidate has commented. No press releases. No interviews. Not even a cryptic tweet from the official Strictly Come Dancing account. That’s not an accident. It’s strategy. The BBC waits until the production schedule is locked — usually late spring — before announcing hosting changes for the autumn series. The fact that betting markets are already active suggests internal discussions are well underway.
And while Alan Carr and other names have floated in media reports, bookmakers haven’t given them odds — which tells us something. The BBC isn’t looking for a comedian to liven things up. They’re looking for someone who can handle the emotional weight of a contestant’s first waltz, the tearful goodbye after a final, and the sheer unpredictability of live television. That’s why the strongest contenders all have one thing in common: they’ve already stood beside the judges’ table — either as dancers, hosts, or both.
Behind the scenes: The show’s ecosystem
Strictly Come Dancing airs live on BBC One on Saturdays, while its companion show, It Takes Two, runs Monday through Friday on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. The production team, led by BBC Studios, has spent years fine-tuning the rhythm between the main show and its daily spin-off. Fleur East and Janette Manrara already host that daily show — meaning they’re already in the rhythm of the show’s pace, the tone of its commentary, and the backstage chaos. That’s not just experience. It’s institutional knowledge.
Meanwhile, Rylan Clark’s return to the presenting fold — after stepping away from It Takes Two in 2022 — could be a quiet audition. He’s appeared regularly on This Morning as a stand-in host, and his ability to pivot between humor and sincerity makes him uniquely suited for the show’s emotional highs and lows.
And then there’s Zoe Ball. If she’s chosen, it won’t be because she’s the flashiest name. It’ll be because she’s the one who can carry the legacy — quietly, confidently, and without ever needing to steal the spotlight from the dancers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are bookmakers involved in Strictly Come Dancing casting news?
Bookmakers like Coral and Ladbrokes set odds based on public betting patterns and insider speculation — not official announcements. Their odds reflect what people *think* will happen, not what’s confirmed. In the UK, betting on TV casting changes is common for big shows like Strictly, and these markets often pick up on behind-the-scenes rumors before the BBC speaks.
Has Tess Daly ever hinted she’s leaving Strictly Come Dancing?
No official statement has been made. Daly has occasionally joked about "taking a break" in interviews, but she’s consistently returned each year. Her partnership with Claudia Winkleman is seen as one of British TV’s most enduring duos. Any departure would be a major shift — likely tied to personal timing, not performance.
Could Janette Manrara or Fleur East become the first non-white host of Strictly Come Dancing?
Yes — and that’s a significant possibility. Janette Manrara, who is Filipino-British, and Fleur East, who is of Ghanaian and Chinese descent, would both make history if chosen. The BBC has faced pressure to diversify its presenting lineup, and a move to either would signal a major step forward — especially for a show that celebrates cultural expression through dance.
What’s the difference between Strictly Come Dancing and It Takes Two?
Strictly Come Dancing is the main Saturday night live show with celebrity contestants, professional dancers, and the judges’ panel. It Takes Two is the weekday companion show — a lighter, more behind-the-scenes look at rehearsals, contestant interviews, and dance tips. Hosting It Takes Two doesn’t mean you’re ready for the main show — but it does mean you understand the rhythm of the franchise.
Why isn’t Alan Carr a top contender despite being mentioned?
Alan Carr is a brilliant comedian, but Strictly isn’t a comedy show. The role demands emotional intelligence, live TV stamina, and the ability to handle tearful moments with grace. Bookmakers haven’t given him odds because the BBC is unlikely to prioritize humor over heart — especially with a show that’s become a national ritual.
When will we know who’s taking over?
The BBC typically announces hosting changes in May or June, ahead of the new series launch in September. Until then, all reports are speculative. The only certainty? Whoever steps into Tess Daly’s shoes will have big shoes — and even bigger expectations — to fill.
