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Strictly Come Dancing could be heading for its biggest presenting shake-up in years - with BBC bosses reportedly considering an unprecedented three-host format to relaunch the flagship show after last year's dramatic exits. Behind the scenes, discussions about how to rebuild the programme's on-screen chemistry are said to be well underway, with insiders claiming nothing has been ruled out as producers attempt to inject fresh energy into the ballroom. Now, a shortlist of seven contenders has emerged to replace long-time duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman - and potentially join forces as a trio rather than a pair.

The One Show presenter Alex Jones is currently leading the race, alongside Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, Alison Hammond, Angela Scanlon, Emma Willis and Fleur East. A source told The Sun: "Alex is still very much the BBC's favourite to land a hosting spot. The Beeb loves her and thinks she'd be perfect to take on Tess's role on the floor.

Talk recently has turned to whether they could bring in a third host to really freshen it up. Nothing is off the table when it comes to sprinkling new magic over Strictly."

Executives are understood to be exploring multiple combinations, with formal "chemistry tests" scheduled for April after originally being planned for January.

A previously rumoured "golden ten" of candidates has now been narrowed to what insiders describe as a "magnificent seven", after Holly Willoughby, Amanda Holden and Alan Carr all reportedly withdrew themselves from consideration.

Another source said: "It's likely a decision on whether it's two hosts or three, and who will get the roles, won't be decided until summer.

"The BBC are making a lot of changes to the pro dancer line-up and now that is out of the way, they can get to work on who is the best fit."

The uncertainty comes amid sweeping behind-the-scenes changes that have already seen several professional dancers depart - a move insiders have described as "brutal".

Among those reported not to be returning are Michelle Tsiakkas, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer and Nadiya Bychkova.

Michelle, who joined just three years ago, fuelled speculation with a cryptic social media message over the weekend, writing: "Strength isn't about never breaking... it's about finding the light again, even after the storm."

A BBC spokesperson said: "Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course."

Viewers may have to brace for a version of Strictly that looks very different when it returns to screens later this year.