Strictly bosses are reportedly eyeing a new male co-host as part of a refreshed presenting trio – with three big names now in the frame to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

Producers are said to be keen to introduce a male presenter who could follow in the footsteps of Bruce Forsyth, returning to a format that features a male and female main host.

The shortlist has reportedly been narrowed down to television favourites Bradley Walsh and Rylan Clark, alongside current pro dancer Johannes Radebe.

Sources claim producers behind Strictly Come Dancing are planning to screen test their preferred candidates in the coming weeks.

The successful presenter would reportedly front the BBC One show alongside a female host.

A source told The Sun: ‘The intention would be to team the chosen man up with a female.

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Strictly bosses are reportedly eyeing a new male co-host as part of a refreshed presenting trio – with three big names now in the frame to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman

‘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.’

The Daily Mail has contacted BBC for comment.

Tess and Claudia stepped back from the show after the most recent series came to an end last December – with speculation continuing to grow about who will be lined up to replace them.

It was recently reported that Emma Willis and Zoe Ball are also strongly being considered for one of the hosting spots by bosses.

Emma, 49, recently took over from Zoe, 55, on BBC Radio 2 after she stepped down from the afternoon slot after just seven months.

Zoe has said she would ‘love’ to take on the hosting job, who previously hosted Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two until 2021.

A source said: ‘It’s a straight shoot-out between Zoe, who is the front-runner, and Emma. Only one will get it, not both.’

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The shortlist has reportedly been narrowed down to television favourites Bradley Walsh (pictured)  and Rylan Clark , alongside current pro dancer Johannes Radebe .

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Sources claim producers behind Strictly Come Dancing are planning to screen test their preferred candidates in the coming weeks (pictured Rylan)

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The successful presenter would reportedly front the BBC One show alongside a female host (pictured Johannes)

They added to The Sun on Sunday: ‘The senior execs want a traditional presenter working alongside a more left-field person, a female stand-up comedian.

‘It’s felt the humour Claudia brought to the show, particularly in her “Claudatorium”, needs to carry on.’

Emma is best known for her TV work, hosting The Voice and Love Is Blind UK alongside husband and Busted star Matt Willis, 42.

Earlier this year, Zoe confessed she would love to take on the most sought-after job in British TV – presenting Strictly Come Dancing.

The speculation intensified when the presenter announced she was stepping down from her Saturday Radio 2 slot, leaving her weekends open for the top telly job.

But Zoe has broken her silence on the rumours, insisting that whilst she hasn’t been approached yet, she would ‘love’ to take it on.

‘Obviously there’s part of me that would love to do it,’ she said. ‘I love that show. I loved performing on it with Ian Waite, who is one of my best buddies. It’s so joyful.’

She cautioned, though, that it would be a mammoth task to step into her friends Claudia and Tess’ shoes, pointing out ‘it’s live telly, which is another thing that people don’t give the girls enough credit for.

‘That show is a beast. Whoever gets to do it has a tough act to follow.’