Strictly fans fume at 'presenter shortage' as 10 names in running for Tess and Claudia job

Fans of Strictly Come Dancing have had a scathing reaction to reports the BBC is set to host a "chemistry test day" in the new year to see what pairing could work as the new hosts of the show. Ten names are seemingly in the frame to replace current presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman when they depart at the end of the current series. The people reportedly being considered for the coveted job are Celebrity Traitors winner Alan Carr, Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden, This Morning's Alison Hammond, former Strictly contestant Angela Scanlon and The One Show's Alex Jones. Other names said to be in the mix are Zoe Ball, Holly Willoughby, Bradley Walsh, Rylan Clark and Rob Rinder.

The news didn't delight fans who took umbrage at the fact it seemed to be the usual suspects in the running. Taking to X one fumed: "We have a serious presenter fatigue in the UK because what do you mean Holly Willoughby is being considered when the likes of personalities such as Hannah Waddingham are out there?"

A second fan raged: "I hope none of them get it as we need fresh faces." A third person also advocated for Hannah Waddingham writing: "I am surprised Hannah is not being considered. She was fantastic at the Eurovision."

A fourth shared: "I definitely agree with not wanting to see Holly Willoughby, and yes, I'd also love to see Hannah Waddingham but I think she might be too big for the show."

A fifth opined: "Chemistry test? If you ever want proof that it's not about the show but about what looks good on camera. TV is becoming like social media - it's about the likes."

Meanwhile, despite the fact that some of those on the list have appeared on the show, a sixth observed: "None of these understand dance. We need glamour and empathy. Not c***** morning tv presenters."

Despite the apparent upcoming chemistry test, it appears Zoe Ball is a shoo-in for one of the roles. The 55-year-old mum of two announced on December 13 she has quit her Saturday afternoon BBC Radio 2 show.

The news led to a suspension in betting on the new presenter of the flagship Saturday night show. Zoe had been a favourite to take over the coveted BBC job on Strictly with odds at 4/1 but her departure from her radio show, which she only began presenting in May this year suggests the job is hers.

"It's looking increasingly likely Zoe Ball has already figured out her next move and we've pulled the plug on the Strictly presenter market as a result," Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said.

Tess and Claudia will present their final show on Saturday, December 20, when they host the grand finale of this year's competition. Although they will be seen on screens in the festive special on Christmas Day that was pre-recorded on Tuesday December 9.