๐ฅ BREAKING: STRICTLY COME DANCING IN CHAOS AS TESS DALY & CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN QUIT โ RYLAN CLARK TIPPED AS FRONT-RUNNER TO HOST! ๐ฅ
The BBCโs crown jewel, Strictly Come Dancing, has just been rocked by one of the biggest shake-ups in its 20-year history. Beloved hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have officially confirmed their departure from the show, leaving fans stunned and insiders scrambling to find the next face of Saturday night TV.
After two decades of glitter, laughter, and heartwarming moments, Tess and Claudiaโs announcement marks the end of an era. Tess, who has hosted the show since its launch in 2004, said in a heartfelt statement that it was โthe right time to hang up the heels and let someone else take the glitter baton.โ Claudia, who joined full-time in 2014 after Sir Bruce Forsythโs retirement, echoed the sentiment, calling her time on the show โthe most joyful experience of my career.โ
But as one chapter closes, another is already beginning โ and the name on everyoneโs lips is Rylan Clark.
BBC insiders have revealed that Rylan, 36, is now the top pick to take over the hosting role. Known for his charisma, humor, and larger-than-life personality, Rylan is reportedly the networkโs dream candidate to lead Strictly into what theyโre calling a โnew golden era.โ
An insider told The Sun: โRylan has everything the BBC wants for the next phase of Strictly โ charm, energy, and the ability to connect with everyone, from celebrities to the viewers at home. He knows the show inside out, heโs loved by the crew, and he has that sparkle factor that makes live TV magic.โ
Rylan himself is no stranger to the Strictly universe. After appearing as a contestant on It Takes Two, he went on to co-host the spin-off show for several seasons, quickly becoming a fan favorite for his natural wit and warmth. Since stepping away from the series in 2023 to pursue other projects, many fans have hoped he would one day return โ and now, it seems that moment may finally have arrived.
As soon as the news of Tess and Claudiaโs departure broke, social media exploded with calls for Rylan to take over. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #YesRylan and #RylanForStrictly began trending within minutes. Fans flooded the BBCโs comment sections, with one writing: โThereโs only one man for the job. Rylan brings joy, glamour, and real connection โ heโs Strictly through and through!โ Another added, โRylan is the only one big enough, bold enough, and fabulous enough to fill those shoes.โ
Even some of Rylanโs celebrity friends have joined the chorus. Former Strictly contestant Gemma Atkinson tweeted, โIf itโs not Rylan, itโs a missed opportunity. Heโs the heart and soul of entertainment TV.โ
The BBC has yet to make any official announcement, but executives are said to be โstrongly consideringโ Rylan for the main show, potentially pairing him with another fresh face to bring a โdynamic new energyโ to the ballroom. Names like Roman Kemp and AJ Odudu have also been floated, but industry sources insist that Rylan is the clear favorite.
One longtime Strictly producer commented: โTess and Claudia have been the heartbeat of the show, and replacing them wonโt be easy. But Rylan represents everything Strictly stands for โ inclusivity, fun, warmth, and showbiz. Heโs got that rare ability to make everyone feel seen and celebrated.โ
If chosen, Rylan would make history as the first male solo host of Strictly Come Dancing since Bruce Forsyth himself โ a full-circle moment for the show that began two decades ago with the legendary entertainer at its helm.
Beyond the glitz and the gossip, this transition could mark a turning point for the BBC as it faces stiff competition from streaming platforms and changing viewer habits. Bringing in a personality like Rylan โ who appeals across generations and has a massive social media following โ could help rejuvenate Strictly for a younger, more digital-savvy audience while keeping the loyal fans whoโve tuned in for years.

And if thereโs one thing Rylan knows how to do, itโs create a moment. From his breakout on The X Factor to his successful career as a presenter and radio host, heโs built a reputation for being both authentic and entertaining โ qualities that would fit Strictlyโs glittering ballroom like a glove.
As one fan perfectly summed it up online: โTess and Claudia will always be legends. But if Strictly is going to evolve, Rylan is the one to lead it. Heโs got the sparkle, the humor, and the heart โ and thatโs what Strictly is all about.โ
So, as BBC bosses prepare to make their decision, one question remains: Is Strictly about to enter its Rylan era? ๐โจ
๐ Drop a โYES RYLAN!โ in the comments if youโre ready for the most fabulous transformation in Strictly history! ๐