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Strictly Come Dancing's head judge, Shirley Ballas , has revealed that she "absolutely" knows who she'd like to see step into the shoes of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman . The beloved presenting duo announced last week that they would be stepping down from their roles after the current series, sparking a flurry of speculation about potential successors. Shirley, however, has a particular candidate in mind, thanks to her mum. Living with her 88 year old mother Audrey Rich, Shirley shared that they both have a fondness for Rylan Clark as a possible replacement. Read more Strictly fans in tears as they spot heartbreaking moment between pro and celeb Speaking at Wimbledon BookFest on Sunday, Shirley said: "If my mother had her way, it would be Rylan Clark who replaces them." She also hinted at her own eventual departure from the popular dance show. She continued: "I have a very good relationship with them. But sometimes in people's lives - and we have to respect this - they are ready to move on.", reports the Mirror . "We don't want them to move on, but they are ready to move on. And one day I'll be ready to move on, and that will be my choice when I feel I'm ready to go. "And somebody else will come in, and after a show or two you'll fall in love with the next person." The list of potential replacements for Tess and Claudia is long and star-studded, with names such as Zoe Ball, Jeanette Manrara, Holly Willoughby , Roman Kemp, Fleur East and others being bandied about. However, it seems Rylan Clark might just have the edge if Shirley and her mum have anything to say about it. Claudia and Tess revealed their exit last Thursday through an Instagram video post. Reports suggest the pair chose to make their announcement during the current series to avoid overshadowing the eventual winners. It's been claimed the presenting duo had made a commitment to depart the programme together. In their statement, they declared: "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. We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show. "They're the most brilliant team, and we'll miss them every day. We will cry when we say the last 'keep dancing' but we will continue to say it to each other. Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza." Their announcement sparked heartfelt responses from current and former show personalities in the comments beneath their Instagram post. Amy Dowden was amongst those reacting, penning: "Nooooo, absolutely gutted! Our beautiful strictly queens!". Former contestant AJ Odudu also responded, writing: "Bowing down to you two Queens! Love you Legends both so much."
