Carlos Gu shares 'dream' new BBC Strictly hosts after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman exits: 'They'd be good!'

Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 05/02/2026

- 13:00

The reigning Strictly champion has exclusively shared his thoughts on who could replace Tess and Claudia

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman left BBC Strictly fans and stars shocked during last year's series when they announced it would be their last.

The presenting duo have sparked speculation on who could be the person or pair to step up to the role, and speaking to GB News, reigning Strictly champ Carlos Gu gave an unexpected suggestion.


Mr Gu was crowned winner last year alongside former footballer Karen Carney, and spoke to GB News at this week's TV Choice Awards.

When asked who he'd like to see presenting the show this year, he shared some insight with a dream he had recently had.

Karen Carney and Carlos Gu

Carlos Gu and Karen Carney

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BBC

"I actually had this pair in my dream last night..." he began on Monday.

"I was like... I woke up, and I thought it just could have been a really, really good pair for the show.

"So I dreamed Angela Scanlon and Ashley Banjo did it. It's a very fashion-forward, very vibrant, very electric pair."

The unlikely duo haven't been hotly tippedpped among the names of potential Strictly presenters circulating, but Ms Scanlon has competed on Strictly herself.

Ashley Banjo

Strictly's Carlos Gu thinks Ashley Banjo could make a good judge on the show

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GETTY

In 2023, the Irish presenter was partnered with none other than Mr Gu, with the pair finishing in a respectable sixth place.

Dancer and choreographer Mr Banjo has also built a significant career in presenting, with the Diversity star having fronted dance shows and made guest appearances as a presenter on other programmes.

Mr Gu and co-star Amy Dowden also talked to GB News about the tour they're launching this year, Reborn.

The two expressed excitement for their joint venture, with Ms Dowden stating: "We just came out of a meeting this afternoon, doing all the finer details, and it's so exciting, and we can't wait to be back on the road touring."

Carlos Gu and Amy Dowden

Carlos Gu and Amy Dowden chatted to GB News at the TV Choice Awards

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GETTY

Mr Gu added: "It's going to be amazing. We did one last year, and we love it so much, and there's so much more happening.

"And also we love dancing with each other and enjoy the beautiful things with each other on stage and sharing with the people. So yeah, we had to do it again."

When asked about the name, Reborn, and how that emerged, Ms Dowden replied: "It's so much a reflection of what's happening in our lives.

"With Carlos' life in China, his move into the UK, and to me with my cancer diagnosis and getting back on his dance floor. And then obviously Carlos's win!"

Karen Carney and Carlos Gu

Carlos Gu won last year's BBC Strictly with footballer Karen Carney

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BBC

The Welsh dancer went on to tease: "We also did something very exciting last year, which will be out very soon, on a TV show, and we can't wait to be able to talk about that and dance our way through that and express that on our show.

"Reborn is all about a celebration of us, how far we've come, and the friendships we've developed."

Mr Gu reflected: "And also knowing there's always the hurdles and hard times in life, but you will always get through it, because you have to believe yourself and carry and moving forward."