Bradley Walsh, a prominent actor and presenter, is among the leading candidates to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as hosts of the popular dance competition Strictly Come Dancing. This potential change aims to pay homage to the classic era of the iconic show, which first debuted on the BBC in 2004.
Potential Hosting Changes
The idea is to pair Walsh, who currently hosts The Chase, with a female co-host. Oti Mabuse or Fleur East are considered strong contenders for this role. Both have substantial experience in the entertainment industry and could complement Walsh well.
Walsh’s Prior Hosting Experience
- Bradley Walsh, aged 65, has extensive experience hosting live television.
- He is well-known for shows such as The Chase and Beat The Chasers.
- Walsh is also part of the BBC’s Gladiators revival.
A source familiar with the discussions noted, “Bradley is a real pro with brilliant experience. His name has surfaced multiple times as many believe he would be an excellent choice.” Notably, he has garnered a fan base across various age groups, bringing a mix of humor and traditional showbiz flair.
Strictly Come Dancing’s History
Strictly Come Dancing has been a staple of British television since its inception. The late Bruce Forsyth originally hosted the show alongside Tess Daly until 2014, marking a defining era in its history. Forsyth’s legacy continues to resonate, influencing the direction of the show’s future.
Current Status
While there are discussions surrounding Walsh’s possible hosting role, a BBC spokesperson stated that details about the 2026 series will be revealed in due course. As it stands, Walsh admits he lacks dancing skills, humorously describing himself as a “bad dad dancer.” Nevertheless, his charisma and stage presence could enhance the show if he takes up the mantle of host.
