Fans at Strictly studio suggest replacement hosts

Claudia Winkleman was stood on the left wearing a black dress. She had medium length black hair with a fringe, and was smiling looking towards the camera. Stood next to her on the right was Tess Daly who was wearing a pink short sleeve dress. She had long blonde curled hair and was looking towards the camera.
Image caption,

Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly's last edition of Strictly will air on Christmas Day

  • Published

Strictly Come Dancing fans waiting to watch the show live have been speculating about who might replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly as hosts.

The pair announced on social media on Thursday they had decided to step down.

Alesha Dixon and Zoe Ball are among the names suggested as possible new presenters by fans outside Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.

Betty Stefanou, 66, from Letchworth, Hertfordshire, said: "It would be nice if Anton wasn't a judge. Maybe he could present with Alesha Dixon."

Betty Stefanou was stood on the left was looking towards the camera with a light smile. She had short black hair and was wearing a black coat. On the right was Helen Stefanou who was looking at the camera smiling. She had short grey hair and was wearing a black coat.Image source, Justin Dealey/BBC
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Betty and Helen Stefanou said they were upset following the news of Winkleman and Daly's departure

In a joint statement on Instagram, external, Winkleman and Daly wrote: "We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream.

"We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time."

Pauline Tatham and Biffy Roche, from Gillingham in Kent, said they were "disappointed" at the news.

Ms Roche, 67, said: "I think the show is Tess and Claudia and I do not think it will be the same when they've gone."

Ms Tatham, 82, said it was "such a shame" but "everybody has to move on in life".

The neighbours of 44 years hoped Zoe Ball and Ian Waite would take over.

Pauline Tatham was stood on the left and was looking towards the camera with a light smile. She had short dark blonde hair and was wearing a black and white patterned coat. On the right was Biffy Roche who was looking towards the camera smiling with her thumb up. She had short black hair with a fringe and was wearing a red top and black coat. Image source, Justin Dealey/BBC
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Pauline Tatham and Biffy Roche were hoping to see Zoe Ball take on one of the presenting roles

Scott Greengrass, 27, from Norwich got tickets to watch week five of the show, which was Icons Week.

He said: "I would like to see Alison Hammond present Strictly in the future. I think it would be great."

The BBC said Winkleman and Daly's final appearance would be this year's Christmas Day special.

Scott Greengrass was stood in the middle of the image smiling at the camera. He had short brown hair and was wearing a blue shirt with a black coat. Image source, Justin Dealey/BBC
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Scott Greengrass from Norfolk was hoping Alison Hammond would be a presenter

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