Strictly Come Dancing's Janette Manrara has disclosed an update about who will succeed Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as hosts of the flagship Saturday night programme.
The It Takes Two presenter, who spent eight years as a professional dancer on the show before moving behind the microphone, offered a candid glimpse into the ongoing deliberations.
"Oh my goodness. Nobody knows who'll replace them," Ms Manrara told Heat magazine. "I don't think the producers know yet. They are huge shoes to fill, so it's really important to get it right."
The 42-year-old Cuban-American star underscored just how coveted the positions are within the broadcasting industry.
Janette Manrara has updated Strictly fans
|BBC
"They're probably the best two jobs in live television," she added.
Ms Daly and Ms Winkleman announced their departure from the BBC programme last October, bringing to a close a partnership that had defined the show for more than a decade.
The pair had fronted Strictly together since 2014, with Ms Daly having been part of the presenting team since the show's inception in 2004.
In their farewell message, the duo explained they had always intended to leave together and felt the timing was right.
BBC Strictly: Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly have left the show
| BBCMs Winkleman described Strictly as a "magical, glittery, fake tanned train" and expressed her privilege at being involved.
She also paid tribute to her co-host, calling Ms Daly "funny, kind, whip smart and a true friend."
Despite their exit occurring several months ago, the search for their successors remains ongoing with no appointment imminent.
Capital FM presenter and This Morning host Sian Welby has reportedly emerged as a contender for the Clauditorium segment, where contestants receive their scores from the judging panel.
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Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly bid farewell to Strictly Come Dancing in the 2025 finale | BBCAccording to sources, BBC executives believe the 39-year-old possesses qualities that could attract a younger demographic to the programme.
"Sian might be less well-known than other names linked with Tess and Claudia's jobs so far," an insider revealed.
"But she's got everything it takes with one special ingredient — a younger audience, thanks to her job on trendy Capital FM."
The source added that her background in live radio broadcasting equips her with the spontaneous conversational skills required for the role.
Janette Manrara issued an update on BBC Strictly Come Dancing
| BBC"Her live radio experience means she's got that off-the-cuff banter that is needed in the Clauditorium down to a tee," they continued.
Radio 2 DJ Sara Cox has also been mentioned by executives as a potential fit for Claudia's former role, with insiders praising her reputation for quick-witted banter and professionalism.
Several other high-profile broadcasters remain in contention for the hosting positions, including Zoe Ball, Emma Willis, Alex Jones and Mel Giedroyc.
Reports suggest the corporation may be leaning towards an all-female presenting duo for the new era of the programme.
Sources have indicated that senior figures want to pair a traditional presenter with someone more unconventional, potentially a female stand-up comedian, to maintain the humour Ms Winkleman brought to proceedings.
A BBC spokesperson has confirmed that plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be announced in due course, leaving fans to continue speculating about who will take the reins.