STRICTLY SHAKE-UP: Beloved BBC star lined up for Strictly job as talks to replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly reach final stages
Our mock up of how Alex Jones might look as the new host of Strictly Come Dancing
The Chase’s Bradley Walsh is being tipped to join her on the showCredit: ITV
Tess, 56, and Claudia, 53, announced they were stepping back from the BBC series after 12 years last month.
Alex, 47, previously competed on Strictly in 2011 and left the competition one week before the final with her professional partner James Jordan.
A source said: “Alex and Bradley are both the favourites to take over from Tess and Claudia. They have been in the BBC’s sights for some time as Tess and Claudia’s exit plan has been known for a while.
“Bradley and Alex are both seen as accomplished broadcasters. He brings the wisecracks and Alex is the calm head who knows how to handle live situations after 15 years of co-hosting The One Show.
“Alex is a massive fan of Strictly too so this would be the dream gig for her.
“Nothing is set in stone yet but the discussions are moving in a really positive direction.”
Insiders said Strictly would be getting a shake-up in 2026.
A source added: “Losing Tess and Claudia is a big change so there will be a revamp.
“The show will keep its key components like the set, the theme tune and the judging set-up — nothing to cause die-hard fans to kick off.
“But they want to freshen it up, maybe with a new-look logo and new faces on the dancefloor. Bringing in Cynthia Erivo as a guest mentor for Movie Week was a taste of what’s to come.
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“New hosts and a few minor improvements and changes will breathe some life into it again.”
The Sun revealed last month that Tess and Claudia had told the BBC they were leaving the show last year.
Tess has hosted Strictly since the first series in 2004 and worked with the late Sir Bruce Forsyth.
When he left in 2014 Claudia took over, having hosted spin-off It Takes Two since 2004.
Model Ellie Goldstein was the latest contestant to leave the competition this weekend.
Actor Lewis Cope topped the leaderboard and was the first celebrity to score a perfect 40 in this series.
Alex competed on Strictly in 2011 and left the competition one week before the final with her professional partner James JordanCredit: PA:Press Association
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they were stepping back from the BBC series after 12 years last monthCredit: PA
