“WE’RE LEAVING” — The BBC confirms that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are preparing to step away, but could Zoe Ball and Holly Willoughby be the ones to replace them?

The BBC are said to be ‘sticking with all female Strictly hosting duo’ after it was revealed Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman decided to leave ‘last year.’

The current hosts, who have fronted the show together since 2014, announced their departure in an emotional social media video to fans on Thursday.

Some of the top names in telly have already had their hat thrown into the ring for the primetime gig, which will begin at the start of the next series in 2026.

Sources are saying the broadcaster could ‘opt for two more women’ but should also consider what the series ‘should look and feel like’ in the future.

Tess and Claudia are thought to have told bosses about their decision to leave last November, which has been kept firmly under-wraps until now.

A source told The Sun: ‘What is more certain is the fact that execs are expected to opt for two more women, because the Beeb value the symbolism of an all-female presenting team on their biggest Saturday night show.’

The BBC are said to be ‘sticking with all female Strictly hosting duo’ after it was revealed Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman decided to leave ‘last year’

The current hosts, who have fronted the show together since 2014, announced their departure in an emotional social media video to fans on Thursday

In a separate update, the insider added: ‘They discussed this privately and agreed they would walk away together, but kept it firmly under wraps.

‘It’s incredible they’ve managed to keep it a secret for so long. Only the top brass at the BBC knew, along with their immediate family.’

Daily Mail has contacted the BBC for comment.

But names to replace the hosting duo are already being suggested, with Zoe Ball, Holly Willoughby, Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton among the front runners.

Other names who have been mentioned so far include Roman Kemp, former Strictly pro Janette Manara and former contestant Alex Scott.

TV and radio veteran Zoe one of the biggest names to be tipped as the new host of the BBC dancing competition.

The mother of two would make a natural fit for the gig as she is well acquainted with the show thanks to her old presenting role on its spin-off, It Takes Two.

She is currently the 2-1 favourite to take on the role after Tess and Claudia leave the show, according to Coral Bookmakers.

Sources are saying the broadcaster could ‘opt for two more women’ but should also consider what the series ‘should look and feel like’ in the future

Names to replace the hosting duo are already being suggested, with Zoe Ball, Holly Willoughby, Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton among the front runners

Following the shock announcement, Holly (2-1) and Roman Kemp (3-1) also emerged as early favourites to take over presenting duties, according to Casino Beats

Elsewhere, Megaways Slots provider Spin Genie, Celebrity PR Specialist Kayley Corneliu, says Stacey and Kevin are most likely to get the job

Coral’s John Hill, said: ‘Zoe Ball is no stranger to the Strictly family, and we make the former It Takes Two host the favourite to replace Tess Daly next year.’

Following the shock announcement, Holly (2-1) is another household name who has been mentioned as a presenter who would be a good fit for the role.

She is no stranger to hosting a big competition-style show, after previously hosting Dancing On Ice alongside Phillip Schofield.

Holly left This Morning in 2023 after 14 years in the role due to personal reasons and has only appeared on Netflix’s Bear Hunt and Dancing On Ice since.

Since Dancing On Ice has now been axed it would be a good opportunity for Holly to step into a new role.

According to Casino Bets, Holly is currently one of the joint favourites to host the show.

Elsewhere, Megaways Slots provider Spin Genie, Celebrity PR Specialist Kayley Corneliu, says Stacey and Kevin are most likely to get the job.

She said: ‘Current odds suggest that power couple and former Strictly Come Dancing champions Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton lead the market to take over hosting duties, both priced at 2/1.

‘Since their memorable win in 2018, the pair have remained closely connected to the show, and with their weekly rundowns of this year’s series on their Substack, they strike the perfect balance between being qualified, passionate and in tune with the Strictly audience.’