Strictly Come Dancing is facing one of the biggest shake-ups in its history as reports claim the BBC is now seriously eyeing Rylan Clark — alongside Holly Willoughby — to step into the spotlight after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s unexpected departure. What began as a whisper online has now turned into a full-blown frenzy, with fans fiercely split into two emotional camps. One side insists, “It HAS to be them!” while the other dramatically warns that choosing Rylan, or anyone outside the classic Strictly mould, could mark “the beginning of the show’s downfall.” And yet, a new, cryptic statement from the BBC has suddenly fallen like a pin drop, freezing both sides of the debate and raising even more questions about what happens next.

The speculation erupted after Rylan left a cheeky, affectionate comment beneath Claudia Winkleman’s farewell post, writing: “Shoes as big as the fringe to fill. Love you.” Within minutes the comment section exploded, with hundreds of emotional messages begging him to take the role. Viewers wrote things like, “Please let it be you!”, “Strictly needs your energy!”, and “Start putting those shoes on, Rylan!” turning a simple goodbye message into the biggest casting rumour the show has had in years.

Though BBC bosses remain publicly silent, insiders claim Rylan’s name has come up repeatedly in internal discussions. Having spent four years co-hosting It Takes Two, he’s already viewed as part of the Strictly family — charming, sharp-witted, and adored by audiences. According to one source, “Rylan knows Strictly inside out. He’s got the sparkle, the humour, and the warmth viewers connect with. He could slide into that role effortlessly.” Holly Willoughby’s name is also circulating, adding even more excitement — and tension — to the speculation, as she remains one of the most recognisable and trusted faces on British TV.

Rylan, now 36, has become a household favourite thanks to his larger-than-life personality, easy humour, and emotional honesty. From his early days on The X Factor to his BBC hosting roles, fans have long praised his ability to command a room while still feeling genuine and relatable. Some Strictly insiders believe pairing Rylan with a personality like Holly Willoughby could create a fresh, modern energy that revitalises the ballroom show without losing its traditional glamour.

All of this comes during a painful transition for Strictly fans, who are still processing the news that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman — a duo many consider irreplaceable — are stepping down together. Their departure has left a huge void, and producers are under immense pressure to avoid missteps. BBC executives are reportedly taking their time, determined to find presenters capable of capturing the same magic that has defined Saturday nights for more than a decade

Fan reactions remain fiery and divided. One viewer passionately argued, “He’s funny, genuine and LOVES Strictly — give him the mic already!” while another warned, “If they choose wrong, this show collapses. It’s that simple.” Some even dream of a Rylan + Holly duo, calling it “the most iconic pairing since Tess and Claudia.”

For now, the BBC continues to keep its cards close to its chest — and the fanbase waits breathlessly. Whether this new era ushers in a revival or signals deeper trouble ahead, one thing is certain: Strictly Come Dancing is standing at a major turning point, and the next announcement could change everything.