Trending Now: This entertainment story covers the latest buzz, reactions, and updates surrounding Trending Now: Comedy star ‘in secret talks to replace Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing’ – Fans React..
A top UK comedian is said to be in ‘secret talks’ to take over from Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing.
The search for a new presenting duo has been on ever since Claudia and co-host Tess Daly announced that they would be stepping down from the show last year.
This made series 23 their last together, although they did return for a final Christmas special that same year.
Since then, major names like Zoe Ball, Alan Carr and Alex Jones have been in the running to step into Claudia and Tess’s shoes.
A new contender for the role has emerged – and it’s comedy star Miranda Hart.
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According to one source, the Call The Midwife star is considered the ‘perfect replacement’ for Claudia.
A source told The Sun that BBC bosses were keen to find someone with a sense of humour which matched Claudia’s.
Describing Miranda as ‘a massive coup,’ the insider added:  ‘She’s also one of very few people in the entertainment world who is widely known and recognised by just her first name.
‘They want someone who can bring a comedy element to the role. Miranda has been loyal to the BBC throughout her TV career.’
According to the tabloid, she’s been in ‘secret talks’ with bosses to take the role.
A BBC Spokesperson told Metro: ‘Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.’
Although she’s never competed on Strictly herself, Miranda appeared on the show in 2024, to support her friend and co-star Sarah Hadland.
Sarah, who starred in Miranda’s self-titled BBC sitcom, was thrilled when Miranda joined her at a pre-recorded traiing session.
She also shared several posts on Instagram at the time, jokingly offering dancing advice to her pal.
Earlier this month, it was claimed that Strictly was looking to bring on board a male co-host to shake up the dynamic.
According to The Sun on Sunday, the three frontrunners are The Chase’s Bradley Walsh, Big Brother’s Rylan Clark and Strictly professional Johannes Radebe.
A source reckons that all three men are ‘keen to land the role and offer a different perspective.’
With so many names flying around, 2020 winner Bill Bailey shared his thoughts on who could present the show next.
In conversation with Metro, he acknowledged that the show needed to ‘keep a sense of fun,’ whoever producers might choose.
‘You’ve got to sort of have a bit of tongue-in-cheek because it’s meant to be fun. It’s meant to be an entertainment show. I think Zoe Ball would do a great job. She’d be great, actually.’
Earlier this year, Zoe addressed persistent Strictly rumours, saying that she’d ‘love’ to do the show.
Speaking to The Times, she added: ‘At the moment I am in mourning for Tess and Claud because I love those girls. I think everyone’s name is being thrown into the mix.’
Describing the show as a ‘beast,’ she continued: ‘Obviously, there’s part of me that would love to do it. But I will still be watching, whoever hosts it.’
Zoe previously appeared on Strictly as a contestant in 2005, finishing in third place with professional partner Ian Waite.
That year’s competition was ultimately won by England cricketer Darren Gough, who became the first male celebrity to lift the Glitterball trophy.
Whoever takes on presenting duties, they’ll be joining Strictly at a tumultuous time.
Earlier this week, Luba Mushtuk announced that she would be the latest professional to leave the show.
Taking to Instagram, the 36-year-old wrote: ‘With a heart full of gratitude, the time has come for me to step away from Strictly Come Dancing.
‘I am deeply grateful for the past 10 years on this beautiful show!
This came just days after Nadiya Bychkova also announced that her Strictly journey would be ‘evolving,’ and that she’d no longer serve as a pro dancer.
This, in turn, followed the exits of Michelle Tsiakkas and Karen Hauer, reportedly in the wake of a huge overhaul of who this year’s celebrity contestants will be paired with.
Metro has reached out to Miranda Hart’s representatives for comment.
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