EMOTIONAL MOMENT: Shirley Ballas of Strictly BREAKS HER SILENCE about the TWO CELEBRITY presenters replacing Tess and Claudia ahead of the finale

Shirley Ballas has spoken out on the search to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on StrictlyCredit: PA

The girls received their very own glitterballs on Sunday nightCredit: PA
We revealed top secret chemistry tests will take place in the new year with the likes of Holly Willoughby, Bradley Walsh and Alison Hammond all in contention.

But Shirley is favouring two firm friends who already have experience working together on the box in BBC travel docu-series.

She told The Independent: “I think Rylan [Clark] could be a good candidate. I think Judge Rinder would be wicked in the Clauditorium. But whoever they pick.”

One of her fellow judges isn’t shying away from the fact he’d love to lead the programme.

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“I know Anton du Beke would love to be hosting,” said Shirley. “I know that for sure. There’s an expression in life to stay in your lane. My lane is dancing.”

She also praised Tess and Claudia after they showed her the ropes during her first years on the show.

“They’re so polite and so kind to every single person they meet,” she said. “I think everyone’s going to be sad.”

During Sunday night’s semi-final results, the judges paid further tribute to the duo.

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Craig Revel Horwood said: “We just went to tell you both how much we are going to miss you.

“How much we totally and utterly love you to bits.

“We have been working together on the show for 21 years, looking fabulous.

“And we’ve got a little surprise for you – a little VT darling.”

The montage showed a range of scenes from the show over the years, as the judges spoke about how great the TV hosts were.

Speaking over a clip of Tess with Bruce Forsyth, Shirley said: “She’s done it since 2004 all the while raising a remarkable family.”

While Craig spoke about how goofy and wild Claudia was on the spin-off show It Takes Two.

“Between the two of them, they are magic,” said Shirley.

While Anton joked: “None of them have learned a step of dancing.”

Craig then chimed in: “I know one thing, without a doubt, they will keep dancing… badly.”

Strictly professional Kai Widdrington then gifted the pair their very own gold glitterball trophies.

Tess and Claudia were overcome with emotion, as the latter said: “We love you, we’re so lucky. It’s been an honour!”

Rylan Clark and Rob Rinder would be a fun duo, according to ShirleyCredit: Getty
While Tess added: “You guys are like family to us, and we always think that about you all. We’ve had the most amazing time.”

Meanwhile, there could be another huge shake-up next year to reinvigorate the scandal-hit show.

In a bid to make a clean break from the problems of recent years, BBC execs are considering shifting the show from Borehamwood, on the edge of London, to Media City in Salford, Greater Manchester.

A TV insider said: “A shift to Salford would be seismic. It would also make sense on many levels, but mostly from a PR perspective.

“It’s a clear statement of intent from the Beeb, who want to draw a line under the show’s troubled time at Elstree.

“There is a lingering sense of anguish that now seems to hover around the show and it’s one that bosses really want to dispel.

“With new hosts coming in to replace the departing Tess and Claudia, it’s the perfect time to introduce other big changes.

“And moving the show north — which for many people is the home of light entertainment — is a logical move in many ways.

“Already, Strictly likes to make a big deal of its links to Blackpool, just down the road from Salford.

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“Most importantly, from a fan’s point of view, it could just safeguard Strictly’s future for years or decades to come.”

The clean break would mirror the corporation’s decision in 2006 to establish BBC North in Salford’s Media City, and the relocation of BBC Breakfast, Radio 5, sport and children’s TV followed in 2011 and 2012.