Claudia Winkleman 'set to replace Sir Bruce Forsyth on Strictly Come Dancing as new co-host alongside Tess Daly'
Claudia Winkleman is reportedly set to co-host Strictly Come Dancing with Tess Daly.
The 42-year-old presenter is said to be the 'first choice' to replace the departed Sir Bruce Forsyth after he quit the BBC One ballroom show on Friday.
The brunette star is said to have impressed when stepping in for the 86-year-old entertainer on the Sunday night results show.
'She's first choice': Claudia Winkleman is reportedly set to co-host Strictly Come Dancing with Tess Daly
A BBC insider told The Sun newspaper: 'They are certainly the first choices. Detailed discussions will start shortly and it is hoped everything can be sorted out.'
Sources also told the publication that Claudia would be keen to take on the Saturday night role, which involves interviewing the contestants after they have danced and getting their reactions to their performances.
This would mean Tess, who signed a new two-year deal with the show last year, would take over Bruce's role of introducing the celebrities and their professional partners ahead of their weekly routine as well as having some entertaining chat with the show's judges.
New role? The brunette star is said to have impressed when stepping in for the Sir Bruce Forsyth on the Sunday night results show alongside Tess
End of an era: Bruce quit the show on Friday after fronting the series ever since it launched in 2004 and admitted he was leaving because of the 'rigours' of working on live Saturday night television
Bruce quit the show on Friday after fronting the series ever since it launched in 2004 and admitted he was leaving because of the ‘rigours’ of working on live Saturday night television.
The star said: After ten wonderful years and 11 series, I believe that it is now the right time to step down from the rigours of presenting the Strictly live shows.
‘I am very proud of what the show has achieved and confident it will entertain the nation for many years to come.
New era: Should Claudia land the role it will mean her and Tess are the first all-female pairing to host a prime-time Saturday night show
'I am looking forward to the specials planned with the BBC as well as some live theatre shows, so before anyone asks, I am not retiring quite yet.’
Should Claudia land the role it will mean she and Tess are the first all-female pairing to host a prime-time Saturday night show.
The brunette star has been involved with 'Strictly' since 2004 when she fronted Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two to coincide with the second series of the main show.
Experienced duo: Claudia has been involved with 'Strictly' since 2004 when she fronted Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two to coincide with the second series of the main show
In 2010, she took over from Bruce as co-host of the Sunday night results show.
If Claudia doesn't agree a deal with BBC bosses, talk show host Graham Norton, dancer Anton du Beke and actor John Barrowman are also in the frame for the role.
Claudia was initially made favourite for the job with many bookmakers but Graham then emerged as a leading runner for the role.
However, the brunette beauty is now 8/15 hot favourite with bookmakers Paddy Power, followed by John (9/4) and Strictly dancer Anton (5/1).
Not over just yet: Bruce will continue to front the Christmas and Children in Need Strictly Come Dancing specials
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2599485/Claudia-Winkleman-replace-Sir-Bruce-Forsyth-Strictly-Come-Dancing-alongside-Tess-Daly.html#ixzz2yKEeAA9T
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