Strictly Come Dancing could be set for a major shake-up, with Miranda Hart reportedly emerging as a frontrunner to replace long-time host Claudia Winkleman.
Miranda Hart is reportedly 'in secret talks with BBC' as she becomes the 'perfect' contender to replace Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing.
Claudia and her co-host Tess Daly announced they would be stepping down from their coveted presenting role in December, marking the end of an era for one of the BBC’s most successful entertainment formats.
The pair have fronted the show together for over a decade, becoming synonymous with its glitzy Saturday night appeal, but are understood to be stepping away to focus on other projects and to scale back demanding live TV commitments after years at the helm.
So far, a number of names have been put forward for what is widely considered the hottest job in British television, with Miranda becoming the latest to be thrown into the mix.
A source said: 'The feeling is that her style of comedy is very similar to Claudia’s sense of humour, making her a perfect replacement.'
They added to The Sun: 'She’s also one of very few people in the entertainment world who is widely known and recognised by just her first name.'
'They want someone who can bring a comedy element to the role. Miranda has been loyal to the BBC throughout her TV career.'
Winkleman’s potential departure is particularly significant given her growing profile beyond Strictly in recent years.
As host of the hugely popular The Traitors UK, she has become one of the BBC’s most recognisable faces, earning international attention for her distinctive presenting style, dry humour and endlessly quotable one-liners.
The show’s success has only elevated her status, with audiences far beyond the UK tuning in and sharing clips across social media, cementing her reputation as a standout personality in modern television.
Meanwhile, Miranda Hart brings her own loyal following and a distinctly British comedic voice that has long resonated with audiences.
Best known for her hit sitcom Miranda, she has remained a familiar face on screens in recent years, despite stepping back somewhat from regular television work.
Hart has focused on writing and personal projects, including her memoir and wellbeing-focused content, while also making selective appearances that have reminded viewers of her enduring appeal. Her physical comedy, self-deprecating humour and ability to connect with audiences across generations have made her one of the BBC’s most bankable stars.
Replacing Winkleman—and potentially Daly—would be no small task, given the chemistry the duo brought to the ballroom and their role in shaping Strictly’s identity over the years.
However, insiders suggest the BBC is keen to retain a similar tone, balancing warmth, wit and light entertainment, which is why Miranda is seen as such a strong fit.
While no official announcement has been made, the prospect of Miranda Hart stepping into one of television’s most high-profile presenting roles is already generating significant buzz.
If confirmed, it would mark a major new chapter for Strictly Come Dancing, as it looks to evolve while holding onto the charm that has kept audiences tuning in year after year.
The 2024 Strictly Come Dancing launch show (Series 22) averaged 5.5 million viewers, a drop of nearly one million from the previous year. Despite this decline, the show remains a massive Saturday night hit, with early live shows for 2024 drawing an average of 6.4 million viewers and a 49.4% audience share.
