Angela Scanlon has emerged as the front-runner to host the next series of Strictly Come Dancing, following a series of secret auditions conducted by the BBC to find replacements for departing presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.

Scanlon Leads Hosting Contenders

The 42-year-old Scanlon reportedly impressed producers during filmed tryouts for the popular Saturday night program, a cornerstone of the BBC’s programming. Other celebrities considered for the hosting role include Tom Allen, Bradley Walsh, La Voix, Alex Jones, Emma Willis, Rylan Clark, and Zoe Ball.

Insiders reveal that Angela Scanlon, Rylan Clark, Emma Willis, and Zoe Ball were the four strongest candidates after several days of auditions. This news comes as a potential disappointment for Bradley Walsh, who has recently taken on several high-profile presenting roles, including The Chase, Gladiators, and Blankety Blank.

Audition Dynamics and Chemistry

Paddy McGuinness, previously rumored to be a contender, was not present at the auditions. Candidates were tested in various pairings, with Rylan Clark demonstrating versatility alongside the other front-runners. However, the combination of Zoe Ball and Angela Scanlon reportedly lacked chemistry, while Zoe Ball and Emma Willis showed strong rapport.

Show Changes and Timeline

The BBC is aiming to finalize its decision soon, with rehearsals for the next series scheduled to begin at the end of August and filming running from September to December. A BBC spokesperson stated that plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be announced in due course.

Strictly is undergoing significant changes, including a visual refresh and a “clean slate” following recent controversies. There has also been a shake-up among the professional dancers, with Nadiya Bychkova and Gorka Marquez among those departing, though head judge Shirley Ballas will return.

TikTok Integration

The show will also incorporate a TikTok-inspired makeover, mirroring the success of the US version, Dancing With The Stars. The selection of celebrities and dancers will now consider their ability to engage on the platform, and the show’s format may be adjusted. The BBC is considering a two-woman presenting team, or potentially a three-person team with one presenter focused on TikTok content.

Insiders have praised Scanlon’s performance, highlighting her strong chemistry with other presenters and her ability to handle live television. She reportedly connected well with everyone except Zoe Ball, while Rylan Clark was well-received by all. Rylan and Emma Willis, who have previously collaborated on Big Brother and This Morning, demonstrated proven chemistry.

All candidates were required to sign non-disclosure agreements to maintain confidentiality regarding the audition process. Scanlon herself participated in Strictly Come Dancing in 2023, finishing sixth with partner Carlos Gu, and currently resides in North London with her husband and two daughters.

Naomi Watts to Portray Margot Fonteyn

In other entertainment news, Naomi Watts will star as Margot Fonteyn in the upcoming film Margot & Rudi. The film will explore the relationship between the legendary ballerina and Rudolf Nureyev, portraying it as a love affair.

The movie will be showcased at the Cannes Film Festival this month and begin production in October. Watts, a trained dancer, expressed her excitement about portraying Fonteyn, calling dance her first love. She will star alongside Alexandr Trusch, a principal dancer with the Hamburg Ballet.