Miranda Hart ‘in secret talks with BBC’ to replace Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing bosses have reportedly been in secret talks to replace Claudia Winkleman with comedian Miranda Hart after she announced she was leaving the BBC show in December last year

View 2 Images

Miranda Hart is reportedly in talks with Strictly bosses to replace Claudia Winkleman(Image: WireImage)

Comedian Miranda Hart has reportedly been in talks with Strictly Come Dancing bosses who are desperately seeking a replacement for Claudia Winkleman. Claudia, 54 and her former co-presenter Tess Daly, 57 announced their departure from the BBC ballroom dancing show in December last year, leaving the nation in a state of despair.

And so this may explain why bosses are now keen to replace the former dynamic duo with people who the public already have a connection with.

According to The Sun, Miranda caught the eyes of bosses as she has worked for the broadcaster for many years. A source told the publication: “The feeling is that her style of comedy is very similar to Claudia’s sense of humour, making her a perfect replacement.”

They 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.”

View 2 Images

Miranda Hart is reportedly in talks with Strictly bosses to replace Claudia Winkleman(Image: BBC)

Last year, both Tess and Claudia addressed their fans via social media to announce their shock departure from the show. They told the nation in a shared statement: “We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time”.

Tess had been presenting the show for 21 years alongside the legendary Bruce Forsyth, who stepped down from the coveted role in 2014. Meanwhile Claudia joined the team in 2004 and ten years later replaced Bruce.

News of Miranda Hart being in secret talks comes after the shock reshuffle among the professional dancers. The upcoming series will not include Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Gorka Marquez.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Michelle had made the decision to quit the live tour. She was due to join her fellow professional dancers on the stage version of the BBC show in April, but quit after realising her contract was not to be renewed.

The official Instagram post for the tour wrote: “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.”

And it wasn’t that long ago she posted on International Women’s Day to inform fans that she had gone through a challenging time but was staying strong, as she “never lost her sparkle.”

Taking to social media, she penned: “From the little girl with sparkle in her eyes, full of hope and innocent dreams… to the woman who has seen more of life than she ever imagined.”

Michelle then added: “There were moments that shaped her, challenged her and quietly changed her. But somehow, through it all, she never lost her sparkle. Because strength isn’t about never breaking… it’s about finding the light again, even after the storm. To every woman who is still standing, still growing, still shining in her own way – may you never forget the little girl inside you who first believed you could do anything Happy International Women’s Day.”

Her message seemingly touched the hearts of many who responded, including her former Strictly co-stars. But there were some who took it as an opportunity to find out if the exit rumours were true. One person said: “I really hope its untrue, and you’re not dropped from scd. A few could be dropped, not you!”

It had been claimed that Strictly bosses had chosen to keep on the professional dancers who had a large social media following, but this has not been confirmed.

The Mirror reached out to the BBC for comment and a spokesman said: “Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.”