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Fans of Strictly Come Dancing are still reeling from the news that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have decided to stew down from their roles of hosting the dancing competition. They announced their departure on social media on Thursday, October 23, with members of the team sharing their support. They will be remain as hosts until after the Strictly Christmas special, however the favourite to replace Tess and Claudia has been named ahead of their departure. You can read more of our Strictly Come Dancing news here. Tess became part of the programme in 2004, initially presenting alongside legendary broadcaster Sir Bruce Forsyth. Following his decision to retire from the position in 2010, Claudia Winkleman stepped into the co-hosting role. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . The pair have subsequently become integral figures of the beloved programme, with the 2025 edition, series 23, representing Strictly's 21st year of broadcasting. They revealed the heart breaking news through a joint announcement, accompanied by a video explaining their choice. They said: "We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream," they said. "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." The presenting duo added: "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." Since the announcement, viewers have been speculating about who will step into Tess and Claudia's shoes as hosts of the much-loved show. Strictly: It Takes Two host Fleur East has emerged as a favourite, with odds of 2-1, as confirmed by bookmaker Coral. Hannah Waddingham is another significant contender in Coral's betting, with her odds being reduced to 3-1 (from 8-1). Coral's John Hill commented: "Fleur East has jumped to the top of our betting to host Strictly Come Dancing in 2026. "Many punters believe she will be promoted from It Takes Two to the main show,". "Hannah Waddingham is another name proving popular. Her odds have been slashed from 8/1 to 3/1 in the last 24 hours".
