Bradley Walsh has intensified speculation about becoming Strictly Come Dancing's next host following a surprise appearance at the programme's Elstree Studios set on Friday.
The 65-year-old visited the BBC production during a break from recording The Chase, which films at the adjacent studio, sparking widespread discussion about his potential role in replacing departing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
The TV personality’s unexpected appearance comes amid reports that he is engaged in advanced negotiations to take over presenting duties for the flagship Saturday night programme.
The visit, during which Mr Walsh met various production team members, has been interpreted by industry observers as a significant development in the search for new hosts to lead the show from 2026.
Bradley Walsh on set of Take Off with Bradley and Holly
|BBC/Hungry Bear/Guy Levy/Matt Burlem
During his visit, the presenter spent time with the programme's backstage team, including chief dressmaker Theresa Hewlett, who documented the encounter on social media platform X.
Ms Hewlett posted a photograph of herself with Mr Walsh and colleagues, writing: “We had a visitor in BBC’s Strictly yesterday.
"The Chase is filmed next door and he popped in to say hi. What a lovely man Bradley Walsh is!”
The image quickly circulated online, prompting enthusiastic responses from viewers.
Strictly staff members posed with the Chase presenter as he made a surprise visit to the BBC studios | @t_hewlett / XOne user commented: “Oh yes, he's the new presenter for sure!”
Another added: “He’d be great on Strictly.”A third person remarked: “Now that’s how rumours start!”
The warm reception Mr Walsh received from production staff was echoed by several crew members, who described him as “lovely” during his impromptu visit.
Mr Walsh’s studio appearance has prompted significant reaction from television industry insiders, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.
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Bradley Walsh during day five of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse | PA“Bradley’s appearance in the studio has certainly set tongues wagging,” a source told The Sun.
“Bosses are keen for Bradley to take over. He is a real pro and has brilliant experience hosting live shows.”
The source emphasised the BBC’s need for stability, stating: “Producers need a safe pair of hands to steady the ship amid so much damage. Of course, he’d have a female alongside him as part of a duo.”
They added: “Bradley is popular with both old and young and would bring humour and some old-school showbiz quality.”
The timing of Mr Walsh’s visit has been particularly noted given recent reports about advanced discussions regarding the presenting role.
Ms Daly and Ms Winkleman revealed their decision to leave Strictly in October through an emotional video message shared on social media, marking the end of their presenting partnership that began in 2014.
The duo, who have become synonymous with the programme, stated: “We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time.”
They expressed gratitude towards the production team, adding: “We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show.”
The One Show's Alex Jones is also said to be a contender in the line-up for the next Strictly presenters
|BBC/Sidney Street Productions/ © Neil Genower
Their final appearance will be the pre-recorded Christmas special scheduled for broadcast on Christmas Day.
Reports indicate Mr Walsh is in advanced discussions to present the programme alongside The One Show’s Alex Jones, with the pair expected to take over hosting responsibilities from 2026.
A television insider revealed to The Sun: “Alex and Bradley are both the favourites to take over from Tess and Claudia… they have been in the BBC’s sights for some time.”
The source highlighted their complementary skills: “Bradley and Alex are both seen as accomplished broadcasters. He brings the wisecracks, and Alex is the calm head who knows how to handle live situations after 15 years of co-hosting The One Show.”
Ms Jones, 48, previously competed on Strictly in 2011, reaching the semi-final with professional partner James Jordan.
The insider confirmed discussions had been “moving in a really positive direction” whilst noting “nothing is set in stone yet.”