Miranda Hart has reportedly entered confidential discussions with BBC executives about stepping into Claudia Winkleman's presenting duties on Strictly Come Dancing.
The comedian is being considered for the Clauditorium role, the balcony area where celebrity contestants relax and chat following their performances.
A source said: "Miranda signing for Strictly would be a massive coup for the BBC. The feeling is that her style of comedy is very similar to Claudia's sense of humour, making her a perfect replacement."
Broadcasting bosses believe Ms Hart's comedic approach would help put nervous contestants at ease, much as Ms Winkleman did before departing the programme last year alongside Tess Daly.
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced their exit from BBC Strictly last year
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Speaking to The Sun, the source continued: "She's also one of very few people in the entertainment world who is widely known and recognised by just her first name."
Ms Hart's connection to the dancing competition deepened during the 2024 series when she regularly appeared to support her close friend Sarah Hadland, who was partnered with professional dancer Vito Coppola.
The comedian frequently turned up at rehearsals and in the studio audience, with Ms Hadland telling The Sun on Sunday: "Miranda messages me most days about my experience and she is loving it. She said she feels like she is sort of doing it through me."
Mr Coppola confirmed Hart's involvement, stating: "Miranda has been with us since day one. It is me, Sarah and Miranda."
Miranda Hart has reportedly entered confidential discussions with BBC executives about stepping into Claudia Winkleman's presenting duties on Strictly Come Dancing
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During Icons Week, Ms Hart filmed a segment where she joked: "I'm here at Sarah and Vito's training room and like all great choreographers, I'm wearing a black turtleneck and carrying a small dog with me."
Ms Hart's 2024 autobiography, I Haven't Been Entirely Honest With You, disclosed her battle with chronic fatigue following a Lyme disease diagnosis in 2020. The comedian had unknowingly carried the bacterial infection since the age of 15.
She admitted: "I couldn't work because I became ill. I tried to keep going before the diagnosis and it didn't go well . . . I was so unwell, but I hated having to stop."
The beloved performer has not maintained a regular television presence for over a decade, with her self-titled BBC sitcom running from 2009 to 2015.
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Miranda Hart could be replacing Claudia Winkleman on the dance show
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Last August, Ms Hart playfully teased fans on Instagram about joining Strictly as a contestant, before clarifying: "The menopausal mounds in this body is not ready for any sort of dancefloor let alone on national television."
Programme bosses are seeking three new presenters for the upcoming series, with the male hosting position rumoured to be going to Bradley Walsh, Rylan Clark or Johannes Radebe.
For the female presenting role, Emma Willis and Zoe Ball are understood to be among the leading candidates.
The Clauditorium position would be filled by a female comedian, with Ms Hart emerging as a frontrunner for the role that requires someone capable of bringing humour to interactions with celebrities, professional dancers and judges.
A source noted that 'bosses talked about Miranda working with the main presenters but her job would be talking to the celebs, dancers and judges'
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A source noted: "Bosses talked about Miranda working with the main presenters but her job would be talking to the celebs, dancers and judges.
"They want someone who can bring a comedy element to the role."
A BBC spokesperson has previously told GB News: "Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course."