BBC urged to ‘think outside the box’ for Strictly Come Dancing host

EntertainmentLifestyle
20 Feb 2026 • 5:17 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Amanda Holden has denied rumours that she will be the new host of Strictly Come Dancing, citing her commitments to Britain's Got Talent and family time.
  • Holden criticised the current list of potential contenders, including Holly Willoughby and Alison Hammond, as “boring” and urged the BBC to “think outside the box”.
  • She advocated for two women to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, stating that many deserving women in the industry should be given a chance.
  • Holden suggested comedian Katherine Ryan, comic actor Daisy May Cooper, Alex Jones, and Zoe Ball as suitable candidates for the hosting role.
  • Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they will depart from their hosting duties on Strictly Come Dancing in 2025, having hosted together since 2014.

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