Quick Read
- Miranda Hart is currently in secret talks with the BBC to take over as host of Strictly Come Dancing.
- Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman officially concluded their long-running tenure on the show last October.
- Professional dancer Johannes Radebe has confirmed he will return for the 2026 season, ending speculation about his departure.
Following the departure of long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman from Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC is reportedly in secret talks with comedian and actress Miranda Hart to fill the vacancy. The exit of Daly, who had been with the program since its inception, alongside Winkleman, marks the most significant personnel shake-up in the show’s history as it prepares for its 24th season later this year.
The Search for a New Strictly Come Dancing Host
Industry insiders suggest that the production team is seeking a presenter who can inject a fresh comedic energy into the ballroom. Miranda Hart has emerged as a top candidate due to her established history with the BBC and a comedic style noted for its similarities to Winkleman’s. Reports from The Sun indicate that the network views the potential signing of Hart as a significant coup, particularly given her widespread recognition and status as a household name.
Hart’s potential involvement comes as she makes a gradual return to public life after stepping back from the spotlight to manage chronic health issues, including Lyme disease and myalgic encephalomyelitis. Her previous association with the program includes a 2024 guest appearance where she provided support to her friend and Miranda co-star Sarah Hadland, who was a contestant at the time.
Continuity Amidst Production Changes
While the search for new hosts continues, the professional side of the competition is seeing a consolidation of familiar faces. Professional dancer Johannes Radebe has officially confirmed his return for the upcoming season, dispelling recent concerns from fans that he might leave the show. Radebe, who recently reflected on his resilience in the face of past career criticism, emphasized his commitment to the Strictly family during his appearance on The Graham Norton Show earlier this year.
The BBC has not yet issued a formal announcement regarding the new hosting lineup, with a spokesperson stating that plans for the 2026 series will be confirmed in due course. The transition remains a sensitive period for the production, which has also faced recent administrative adjustments, including the departure of dancer Michelle from the live tour.
The potential appointment of Miranda Hart signals a strategic pivot for the BBC, moving toward a host whose established comedic persona can bridge the gap left by the departure of two industry veterans, effectively balancing the need for brand continuity with the demand for a fresh, high-energy screen presence.