Holly Willoughby Tipped as New Strictly Host
Television presenter Holly Willoughby is strongly rumored to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing after both announced their departure from the BBC show.
The 44-year-old star is reportedly set to make her return to television more than two years after leaving ITV’s This Morning in 2023. Holly has previously hosted Dancing On Ice and Netflix’s reality show Celebrity Bear Hunt alongside Bear Grylls.
Rumors and Industry Insights
Former BBC director Peter Fincham, who led the corporation from 2005 to 2007 before managing ITV between 2008 and 2016, suggested that Willoughby is the leading candidate to join Strictly Come Dancing.
“My hairdresser also cuts the hair of a well-known channel controller. What's said in Harry's the hairdresser stays in Harry's. But he says with great confidence that Holly Willoughby will take over.”
Fincham reportedly made these remarks to journalist Richard Eden of the Daily Mail, who wrote that Holly is expected to begin presenting the show from the start of its 2026 series.
Background
Willoughby stepped down from her long-standing position at This Morning in 2023, marking the end of a major chapter in her television career. Her possible move to Strictly Come Dancing would signal a high-profile return to the BBC.
Author’s Summary
Holly Willoughby is widely rumored to take over as host of Strictly Come Dancing after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s exit, marking her anticipated return to British TV in 2026.