Mel Giedroyc is emerging as a frontrunner to replace Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing, as BBC bosses weigh up a major presenting shake-up ahead of the 2026 series.
Sources say the comedian and broadcaster, 57, is being considered to take over hosting duties in the show’s famous "Clauditorium", the post-dance area where celebrities receive their judges’ scores and share their immediate reactions.
Ms Winkleman and Tess Daly stepped away from the long-running BBC programme at the end of the most recent series, confirming that they always intended to "leave together" and felt that "now feels like the right time".
According to industry insiders, producers are keen to appoint someone who can replicate the warmth, humour and emotional intelligence Ms Winkleman brought to the role.
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Mel Giedroyc is tipped as the next Strictly presenter
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One source said the Clauditorium requires a presenter with "a gentle touch" who can diffuse nerves and tension after live performances, adding that Ms Giedroyc is seen as a natural fit.
Ms Giedroyc is best known for co-hosting The Great British Bake Off alongside Ms Sue Perkins during the show’s BBC years from 2010 to 2016.
She has also maintained strong ties with Strictly, even though she has never been a full-time contestant on the main series.
The Bake Off star competed in the 2021 Christmas Special, performing a Couple’s Choice routine to Ice Ice Baby with professional dancer Neil Jones, and previously hosted the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour in 2016.
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly stepped away from the long-running BBC programme at the end of the most recent series
| GETTYBefore her 2021 appearance, she had famously turned down the main show, explaining that she loved Strictly so much she "didn’t want to spoil the pleasure by being on it".
At the time, Ms Giedroyc joked that Strictly was "a weird one for a woman in her 50s", before admitting the experience had changed her perspective after stepping onto the dancefloor herself.
While Ms Giedroyc is rumoured to be in the running, speculation continues over who will replace Ms Daly on the main presenting role, with reports suggesting Ms Zoe Ball and Ms Emma Willis are among the leading contenders.
Rylan Clark remains a popular pick with bookmakers, thanks to his extensive experience hosting the Strictly spin-off It Takes Two and Hannah Waddingham is often mentioned as a fan favourite, following her successful Eurovision hosting stint.
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Fleur East and Janette Manrara, the current hosts of It Takes Two, are also seen as natural contenders to step up to the main show.
Alison Hammond is regularly in the mix, despite her ongoing commitments to This Morning and Bake Off.
Meanwhile, Stacey Dooley, a former Strictly winner, is frequently cited as a potential replacement as well.
Alan Carr and Amanda Holden had been heavily tipped, but Mr Carr recently confirmed the pair had turned down the opportunity.
Bradley Walsh has also been linked in the past, though he admitted the role is a "big old commitment" that may not fit with his current schedule.
The BBC has declined to comment on individual names, saying only that plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be announced "in due course".
Ms Ball has previously said she would "love" to host the programme, while also acknowledging that Ms Daly and Ms Winkleman would be a "tough act to follow".
Fans of Strictly Come Dancing were quick to react to reports that the Bake Off favourite could be stepping into Ms Winkleman’s shoes.
Ms Giedroyc is best known for co-hosting The Great British Bake Off
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Many voiced their support online, with one fan saying: "She would be brilliant", as "she's very like Claudia!, while another added that she is "lovely."
"Brilliant. Give her the job," insisted a third supporter.
Not everyone was convinced, however. "She's on everything, no thanks," one critic commented, while another simply said: "No thanks!"
A third echoed the sentiment, writing: "Oh God no, just no."