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BBC Strictly Come Dancing hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced last year that they would be wrapping up their final season and bowing out collectively. It's been months since they confirmed their departure, and yet the question still being asked is who will be coming in to replace them; and there have been multiple contenders thrown into the mix ranging from the likes of Zoe Ball through to Holly Willoughby.

And it sounds like bosses aren't looking too far from their own digs as one popular BBC Radio host has been mentioned in discussions and is a name that would likely be welcomed by fans. It's been reported that Radio 2 DJ Sara Cox could be the next person in line to take over from Claudia.

According to The Sun, Sara has a "brilliant reputation as an honest, hardworking pro", with a source adding: "Execs have mentioned her name as someone who would be a good fit for the job." They also reported that the names in the mix have also included Alex Jones, Emma Willis, and Sian Welby, suggesting another all-female pairing will be their intention.

Strictly has held an all-female pairing since 2014 after Bruce Forsyth decided to step back from his role, leaving Claudia the open spot to replace him alongside Tess, who had been there from the very start.

It was noted from the BBC that the plans for Strictly 2026 will be confirmed in "due course". The cast for the line-up of the show are typically announced in August, preparing for the show to start in September.

It'll be a big change for viewers at home this year with Tess and Claudia no longer taking the reins, after a challenging few years for the TV show after being hit by multiple scandals.

Tess and Claudia sadly announced their departure in October through a joint statement as Claudia stated it had been the "greatest relationship of my career". They both expressed their gratitude for the show and praised one another, having always stated they would leave together when either one of them felt the time was right.

Claudia's schedule had started to become increasingly busy having taken on hosting of the incredibly successful TV show, The Traitors, which is currently one of BBC's best performing shows.