The stars of *Strictly Come Dancing* are preparing for the show’s annual Icons Week, following the recent announcement that presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will depart.
In a joint statement released Thursday, the popular duo stated that their decision to leave was mutual and that “now feels like the right time.”
Daly and Winkleman are expected to conclude their hosting duties at the end of the current season, with the Christmas special marking their final appearance.
Speculation abounds that the pair may address their departure further during Saturday’s live broadcast. Winkleman commented earlier this week, “It’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go.”
On Friday, Deadline reported that Winkleman, who also hosts *Traitors* and *Celebrity Traitors*, is reportedly in advanced negotiations to host her own chat show. The BBC has yet to issue a statement on the matter.
The BBC has also remained silent regarding potential replacements for Winkleman and Daly on *Strictly*, and an announcement may be several months away.
Commentators have begun speculating about who would be the ideal fit for the role, debating whether the show should opt for an established presenter or a rising star.
Producers might consider drawing from the talent pool of the sister show, *Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two*, either current or former hosts.
The spin-off is presently hosted by singer Fleur East, a 2022 *Strictly Come Dancing* contestant, and professional dancer Janette Manrara.
Broadcaster Rylan Clark also hosted the spin-off for four years, and Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball held the position for a decade.
Bookmakers have identified The One Show’s Roman Kemp as a frontrunner for the *Strictly* job, with Coral shortening his odds.
Actress Hannah Waddingham, Big Brother co-host AJ Odudu, former *Strictly* winner Stacey Dooley, and Celebrity Traitors’ breakout star Alan Carr are also among the names being discussed.
Ladbrokes is offering odds on Holly Willoughby as a surprise contender, with another ITV personality, Alison Hammond, also featured on their list.
It remains to be seen whether BBC executives will recruit from within the organization or seek to acquire talent from rival networks.
Caroline Frost, TV editor of the Radio Times, described Daly and Winkleman as “a formidable presenting duo.”
Asked if their departure could potentially mark the end of the show, the TV critic told BBC Breakfast that there was no need to “throw the baby out with the bath water” and that “a rebrand” was more likely.
“It still draws in millions of viewers,” she noted of *Strictly*. “It’s only bad compared with those extraordinary, phenomenal ratings earlier in its reign.”
“But certainly it will be like other programs we’ve seen before, Doctor Who, Match of the Day, MasterChef; they’ve all had opportunities for a rebrand… so this could be one of those shows.”
On Saturday evening’s show, the 11 remaining couples will grace the ballroom floor, paying tribute to iconic musicians from various eras, with performances set to songs by Beyoncé, Harry Styles, and Ariana Grande, among others.
On Sunday night, Hollywood actress Rachel Zegler will make a guest appearance, performing “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” during the results show.
However, *Neighbours* star Stefan Dennis will no longer participate, having withdrawn from the competition due to injury.
Tess Daly began presenting *Strictly* alongside Sir Bruce Forsyth 21 years ago, while Winkleman joined as a main presenter in 2014.
In their joint statement on Thursday, they affirmed: “We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream.”
Daly and Winkleman have fronted the hit BBC show as it has navigated a series of controversies in recent years, involving the conduct of certain professional dancers and celebrity participants.
Kate Phillips, the BBC’s chief content officer, deemed it “the end of an era” and praised the pair as “incredible hosts.”
Aside from the news surrounding Tess and Claudia, the show must go on – with the couples performing routines to songs by their favorite musical heroes on Saturday night.
Icons Week was introduced last year in celebration of *Strictly*’s 20th anniversary. Other special weeks in *Strictly* include Movies, Halloween, Blackpool, and Musicals.
The judges will also be in costume, portraying different icons, but viewers will have to tune in to discover their chosen personas.
They will provide their scores before audiences get to vote and have their say.
Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston topped the leaderboard last week with 36 points and, more importantly, was dubbed a “queen” by head judge Shirley Ballas who awarded her a perfect 10 for her Rumba.
Earlier this week, Dennis, partnered with professional Dianne Buswell, announced that he had torn his calf “so significantly” that he was compelled to withdraw from the competition.
When I met the Australian actor backstage ahead of the first live show, he shared that his primary motivation for participating was to take his wife out dancing.
And in his statement, he insisted he would still be able to do that.
“I owe both the Strictly family and Dianne a massive debt of gratitude for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my dream of being able to dance with my wife (when my leg is better),” Dennis stated.
Dennis will not be replaced in the competition. The series will proceed with the remaining pairs, setting this year’s series on course for a three-couple final.
On Sunday night, the professional dancers will present a performance paying homage to pop icon Britney Spears.
US actress and singer Zegler, 24, who starred in Jamie Lloyd’s revival of *Evita* in the West End this summer, will grace the results show with a performance of the play’s iconic song.
However, it’s not all lighthearted entertainment. On Sunday night, the bottom two couples will face off in the dreaded dance-off, each vying for a spot in the annual Halloween spectacular the following weekend.
Strictly Come Dancing is broadcast live at 18:25 BST on BBC One and on BBC iPlayer.
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