Strictly Come Dancing fans are desperate to find out the new hosts, but two contenders are a big mistake, says former contestant Debbie McGee.

Debbie McGee is sharing her thoughts on the latest Strictly drama (Image: Express)

There were some incredible dances last night for Strictly Come Dancing ‘s Halloween week. I love how the judges go all out every year, and I have to say the make-up and costume team pulled it out of the bag.

My favourite all series has been Lewis Cope, and he thought he was sensational last night. He and Katya could have been professionals, and if he doesn’t make it to the final, I will be stunned. It is absolutely no surprise he got the first 40 of the series; it was a perfect performance. I do think Katya Jones is the best female professional. She is an incredible choreographer, and she does train her stars with an iron fist. She always gets results!

One of the lower performers last night was George. I don’t think that was one of his best dances, and I don’t think his music choices have been right. It can be challenging for celebrities and professionals, as they often have no say; it depends on backstage logistics, so it’s really not their fault. Hopefully, he’ll have some better luck next week and he’s given a song that will let him shine.

Lewis Cope got the first 40 of the series after his Halloween dance (Image: BBC)

I think Alex Kingston also has a strong chance of making it to the final. I don’t think people expected her to be as good as she is, and she is so watchable and comfortable in herself, and that comes out in every dance. She is definitely one to watch! Another favourite of mine is La Voix, who is so funny! I don’t think she’ll get much further performance-wise, as she’s starting to fall behind a bit compared to everyone else, but it’s great to see her backstage. Her begging for Tess’s job has been leaving me laughing over the last few weeks, and it was good to see the elephant in the room addressed.

I think everyone is eager to know who will replace Tess and Claudia. I’ve seen that It Takes Two hosts Fleur East and Janette Manrara are frontrunners, and I do see the appeal of keeping it in the Strictly family, but I think it would be a mistake.

Janette and Fleur are the wrong choices to be hosts, says Debbie (Image: BBC)

These are incredibly big shoes to step into, and I think Fleur and Janette would feel like they’re trying to be carbon copies. I think we need a big name who will take the show in a whole new direction. Whoever it is, they’re sure to receive a lot of backlash, as people generally dislike change. However, Fleur and Janette are too similar to Tess and Claudia, so I hope it’s not them and someone with years of experience.

It really was the right time for Tess and Claudia to leave. Tess has been doing it for 20 years, and I’m sure she was aware that when you’re in the TV industry, it is much better to leave before you’re pushed. Age does play a part in things, and when TV is so fast-paced, it is the right decision to take charge and accept it’s the end of an era. I think Tess has made a very smart move, and good on her.

Onto the spoiler! I was so shocked when I found out who’s leaving the show tonight, I had actually thought they’d had a brilliant show. They’ve done well to go as far as they have, but it is sad because you could tell how much they loved it. However, I’m pleased they have left now, though, because they’ll have some time to readjust to normal life before the final, which is important for everyone. Being on the show isn’t easy sometimes.

I know many people complained about how the celebrities haven’t been well-known this year, but I think last night showed that you don’t have to be a big name to deliver good TV. What makes Strictly so fantastic is that you can watch people develop, and you become attached to them even if you don’t know who they are when they start. Everyone needs to trust that the bosses know what they’re doing!

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