Strictly Shake-Up: Who Will Fill Tess And Claudia'S Dancing Shoes?

  • By Julian
  • Jan. 12, 2026, 3:29 a.m.

The Strictly Shockwave: Tess and Claudia's Exit

The world of British television was rocked when the beloved duo, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, announced their departure from Strictly Come Dancing. As the news spread, fans and celebrities alike were left speculating about who would fill their dazzling shoes. Among the many names buzzing in the rumor mill is former Strictly professional dancer, Oti Mabuse.

Oti Mabuse: A Star in the Spotlight

Oti Mabuse, who graced the Strictly dance floor for seven seasons, has been a hot topic of discussion regarding the presenting role. Despite her undeniable success on the show, winning the Glitterball trophy twice in consecutive years, Oti remains coy about her future with Strictly. "I get emotional," she shared with The Times, reflecting on her journey and the legacy Tess and Claudia leave behind.

“I wouldn't be sitting here without that show. Claudia and Tess are... I get emotional when I talk about it, because they are just so brilliant."

Oti's admiration for the duo is palpable, yet she's focused on her current commitments, including her new role as a judge on Ireland's Dancing with the Stars, which she says rules her out of the running for now.

Who Will Step Up?

With Tess and Claudia's departure, the race is on to find their successors. Bookmakers have thrown names like Fleur East, Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, and Hannah Waddingham into the ring. Oti herself acknowledges the challenge, saying, "Anyone who gets asked to do that job is so lucky and will do it splendidly."

Meanwhile, Tess and Claudia recently reunited, not on the dance floor, but at the launch of Tess' new activewear line. Claudia shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, celebrating her friend's latest venture and their enduring friendship.

As the Strictly stage prepares for its next chapter, fans eagerly await the announcement of who will bring the sparkle to the ballroom next season. Until then, the dance goes on.

Life After Strictly

Since leaving Strictly, Oti has embraced new opportunities, from motherhood to appearances on shows like The Masked Dancer and Dancing on Ice. Her journey continues to inspire, proving her talents are as boundless as her passion for dance.

As fans hold their breath for the next big announcement, one thing is certain – Strictly Come Dancing will continue to captivate audiences, ensuring its place as a cherished part of British television history.

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Julian
Author: Julian
Julian

Julian

Julian follows the paper trail: filings, timelines, and who benefits. He reframes drama as facts - contracts, lawsuits, NDAs, and PR strategy - so readers get the full picture, not the spin.