Claudia Winkleman CONFIRMED to replace Sir Bruce Forsyth as Strictly Come Dancing co-host alongside Tess Daly
It Takes Two presenter Claudia Winkleman has been confirmed as the new regular co-host of iconic BBC1 dance show, Strictly Come Dancing, alongside original host Tess Daly.
The 42-year-old will front the multi-award winning show when it returns to BBC One in the autumn, the BBC announced on Friday.
Following the news earlier this year that veteran host Sir Bruce Forsyth had stepped down, his co-host, Tess Daly, 45, will introduce the dances and probe the judges for their comments.
She's had a promotion: Claudia Winkleman has been confirmed as the new Strictly Come Dancing co-host
Winkleman will host the post-dance interviews and reaction to judge's scores. The announcement ends weeks of speculation prompted by Sir Bruce's decision to step down after a decade.
Tess and Claudia are no strangers to hosting together on Strictly, having formed a formidable partnership presenting the Sunday night results show for the last three series.
Talking about the announcement, Tess said: 'I’m so pleased that I’ll be working with Claudia - she’s long been part of the Strictly family and I’ve loved doing the Sunday show with her.
Time of change: The announcement follows the news earlier this year that veteran host Sir Bruce Forsyth has stepped down
Power pair: Tess and Claudia are no strangers to hosting together on Strictly, having formed a formidable partnership presenting the Sunday night results show for the last three series
'It’s really exciting having two women host the show, and we are great mates so there’ll be lots of fun to be had on and off the dance floor. And of course I'll look forward to being reunited with Brucie for the Children In Need and Christmas shows.'
Claudia added: 'I have loved Strictly since the second it appeared on our screens and I am honoured and thrilled to now be part of the Saturday night team.
'Working alongside Tess is always fantastic and I can't wait to spend the weekends with her, our amazing dancers and the greatest judging panel on the planet. Sir Bruce is a living legend and we'll all miss him very much.'
Full of praise: Judge Bruno Tonioli recently said: 'I'll be delighted to have Tess and Claudia - they are fantastic, they work very well together'
Programme judge Bruno Tonioli recently declared he would love to see the duo given the role, when he said: 'I'll be delighted to have Tess and Claudia - they are fantastic, they work very well together.'
Charlotte Moore, Controller, BBC said: 'Tess and Claudia are a fantastic duo and natural successors to Strictly's presenting line-up now that Sir Bruce has decided to step down.
'Their commitment and passion for the show make them the perfect pairing to take Strictly into a new era.' Show bosses are currently in talks to finalise the line-up for the professional dancers.
Beautiful in blue: Abbey Clancy won the last series of the show
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