Strictly’s new male co-host and three big names in the running

Strictly Come Dancing bosses have decided to re-introduce a male and female presenting duo ahead of this year’s series and the favourites include Bradley Walsh, Rylan Clark and pro dancer Johannes Redebe

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Johannes Radebe could make the move from professional to host on Strictly Come Dancing(Image: ITV)

Following the announcement that Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly were stepping away from their roles on Strictly Come Dancing, many assumed that show bosses were desperate to re-create the female duo. But it has now been reported that BBC bosses are keen to include a male presenter to co-host the TV ballroom dancing show to give the long-running format a huge shake-up.

The brand new male presenter will host alongside the female favourites with the top three choices being Zoe Ball, Emma Willis and comedian and presenter Mel Giedroyc at present. While those in the running for the coveted male spot include Rylan Clark, Bradley Walsh and the current professional dancer Johannes Radebe.

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Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they were leaving Strictly Come Dancing last year(Image: PA)

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BBC bosses want to include a male presenter to host the show similar to that of Tess and Bruce Forsyth(Image: BBC)

A source close to the show told The Sun on Sunday: “Bradley and Rylan have been tipped for the gig, but Johannes is a new contender. All are very keen to land the role and offer a different perspective.”

They added: “The intention would be to team the chosen man up with a female. It will be a return to the years when Tess co-hosted with Bruce, which was a very popular format.”

“The show’s executive producers feel Bradley has a similar style to Bruce — he can tell jokes, sing and has lots of charisma. “Rylan has a massive fanbase and used to host Strictly spin-off It Takes Two, while Johannes offers expertise.”

Year on year, the professional dancers wait to hear if they have been chosen for the next series of the show or not. It has been rumoured that favourites Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas have got the chop this year – but no official announcement has been made yet.

Backstage, the pro dancers are in a slight state of panic as they fear their positions are uncertain following speculation that bosses want to completely re-invent the show – starting with the hosts.

This week Michelle Tsiakkas made the decision to quit the show’s live tour after finding out that she had been axed from the main show. The announcement was made public on the tour’s official page with a statement that read: “Michelle Tsiakkas has decided not to take part in Strictly The Professionals 2026 Tour. We are naturally disappointed but respect her decision and wish her every success for the future. We look forward to starting the tour rehearsals early next month with Julian, Vito, Neil, Gorka, Lauren, Jowita, Luba, Alexis, Kai and Nancy.”

A BBC spokesman told the Mirror: “Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.”