Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly in talks with Miranda Hart to join the show following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman

A big name is in talks to replace Claudia and Tess on Strictly Come Dancing(Image: PA)

Following the bombshell exit of Strictly stalwarts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, attention has turned to who might replace them for the forthcoming series. With BBC chiefs continuing to overhaul the controversy-plagued programme, Strictly fan Miranda Hart is said to be in discussions with producers about joining the team.

The comedian, writer and actress is apparently a top choice for the programme, with executives convinced her comedic flair would inject some much-needed levity into the crucial presenting role. Miranda previously championed her longtime pal Sarah Hadland throughout her 2024 Strictly journey, frequently appearing amongst the studio audience.

According to the Sun, an insider revealed: “Miranda signing for Strictly would be a massive coup for the BBC. The feeling is that her style of comedy is very similar to Claudia’s sense of humour, making her a perfect replacement.”

Claudia departed alongside co-presenter Tess Daly following last season’s conclusion, leaving the programme desperately seeking successors to the beloved hosting duo. The source suggested that while Miranda was considered for a main presenting position, “her job would be talking to the celebs, dancers and judges.”

Miranda’s self-titled hit sitcom, which aired from 2009 to 2015, was the programme that catapulted her to stardom, with the star previously disclosing that she abandoned fame in favour of the “simple life”. Penning her book, I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest With You, she confessed she no longer chases celebrity and prefers to keep things straightforward, reports the Mirror.

She explains: “I just wake up and think ‘right, what am I going to do today?’ It’s walking the dog, it’s playing games with my husband, watching telly and doing a bit of writing. I find life much “free-er” and happier, because of that. It is a very simple life, which I love.”

Aside from the occasional chat show appearance, Miranda’s most recent significant TV project was back in January 2020, when she commemorated the 10th anniversary of her BBC1 sitcom with the celebratory special programme Miranda: My Such Fun Celebration. The career-defining programme not only highlighted the triumph of her semi-autobiographical series, it also honoured her 20 year journey in television, beginning in 2001 with various sitcoms including Channel 4’s Smack The Pony. Miranda also played Camilla “Chummy” Fortescue-Cholmeley-Browne in series 1-4 of Call The Midwife.

Meanwhile, other contenders for presenting responsibilities on the forthcoming series of Strictly include Zoe Ball, Emma Willis and comedian and presenter Mel Giedroyc currently. While those vying for the sought-after male position include Rylan Clark, Bradley Walsh and the current professional dancer Johannes Radebe. BBC chiefs are reportedly eager to introduce a male co-host to the popular TV ballroom dancing show, in a bid to give the long-standing format a significant revamp. The fresh male face will share hosting duties with the female favourites, with three top contenders in mind.

An insider close to the show revealed to The Sun on Sunday: “Bradley and Rylan have been tipped for the gig, but Johannes is a new contender. All are very keen to land the role and offer a different perspective.”

They further commented: “The intention would be to team the chosen man up with a female. It will be a return to the years when Tess co-hosted with Bruce, which was a very popular format.”The show’s executive producers feel Bradley has a similar style to Bruce – he can tell jokes, sing and has lots of charisma. Rylan has a massive fanbase and used to host Strictly spin-off It Takes Two, while Johannes offers expertise.”