Ex-BBC boss declares ‘Holly Willoughby will take over’ as host of Strictly Come Dancing

The BBC reportedly has its eye on Holly

Holly Willoughby will reportedly be announced as the new host of Strictly Come Dancing, according to a former BBC boss.

Last month, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman shocked fans by revealing they were stepping down from their hosting duties. Since then, there have been a number of huge names in the running to take over – but one name in particular keeps popping up.

Holly Willoughby was the face of ITV for many years. But it seems she may be the one to step in and host the BBC dance show…

Holly Willoughby in black dress at an event
Holly is reportedly going to be the new host of Strictly (Credit: Brett D. Cove / SplashNews.com)

Holly Willoughby ‘will take over’ as Strictly host

Former BBC One Controller Peter Fincham revealed to the Daily Mail that a top industry insider told him who was in the running.

He said: “My hairdresser also cuts the hair of a well-known channel controller. What’s said in Harry’s the hairdresser stays in Harry’s. But he says with great confidence that Holly Willoughby will take over.”

Holly’s name has been mentioned quite a few times. And if it is true, then this will mark her huge return to TV.

The TV presenter quit This Morning back in 2023 following a terrifying kidnap plot against her. But she made a return to present Dancing On Ice with Stephen Mulhern, until it was cancelled last year.

There are no plans to bring it back at the moment. So, it could pave the way for Holly to make the move from ITV to BBC.

It’s believed Holly was actually first linked to a job on Strictly way back in 2023. She is believed to be close friends of some of the corporation’s most senior executives. Her husband, Dan Baldwin, produces major BBC programmes.

Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly on Strictly Come Dancing
Tess and Claudia quit the show (Credit: BBC/Guy Levy)

Who could Holly host with?

If the reports are true, Holly would still need a co-host. And there have been a lot of celebrities rumoured to be in line for the spot.

Most recently it was reported by The Sun that The One Show host Alex Jones and The Chase host Bradley Walsh were in advanced talks to host.

If Bradley were to be the other host, this would mark a reunion for him and Holly, who are close friends. And back in 2019 the duo filmed a pilot, Take Off With Holly and Bradley. But unfortunately the series was never made because of the Covid pandemic.

However, they did also work together on Play To The Whistle – an ITV sports comedy panel show which ran for two years from 2015.