Miranda Hart 'in talks to co-host Strictly Come Dancing'
It has been claimed that Miranda Hart and Strictly Come Dancing bosses have had talks about her replacing former co-host Claudia Winkleman.
Miranda Hart has reportedly had secret talks with Strictly Come Dancing bosses about replacing Claudia Winkleman.
The 53-year-old comedienne - who is a big fan of the BBC Latin and Ballroom dance competition - is believed to be an ideal candidate to continue Claudia's funny chats with the stars and their professional dance partners on the balcony where the couples relax after their performances.
A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "Miranda signing for Strictly would be a massive coup for the BBC.
"The feeling is that her style of comedy is very similar to Claudia’s sense of humour, making her a perfect replacement.
"She’s also one of very few people in the entertainment world who is widely known and recognised by just her first name.
"Bosses talked about Miranda working with the main presenters, but her job would be talking to the celebs, dancers and judges. They want someone who can bring a comedy element to the role.
"Miranda has been loyal to the BBC throughout her TV career."
It follows reports in February that the former BBC Radio 2 broadcaster Zoe Ball, 55, and ex-Big Brother host Emma Willis, 50, are reportedly in a "straight shoot-out" to front Strictly Come Dancing alongside a "female stand-up comedian".
And it has been claimed that the BBC want to continue with an all-female presenting team, following the success of Claudia, 54, and Tess Daly, 56, who quit the programme at the end of the 2025 series in December.
A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "It’s a straight shoot-out between Zoe, who is the front-runner, and Emma. Only one will get it, not both.
"The senior execs want a traditional presenter working alongside a more left-field person, a female stand-up comedian.
"It’s felt the humour Claudia brought to the show, particularly in her 'Claudatorium', needs to carry on."
Zoe quit her BBC Radio 2 Saturday show in December 2025, which caused speculation that she could be hosting Strictly Come Dancing later this year.
The star - who replaced Claudia in fronting the Strictly Come Dancing spin-off show It Takes Two from 2011 until 2021, and also hosted the live tour in 2011 and 2015 - recently admitted she would "love" to take Tess or Claudia's job.
In January, Zoe - who finished third on Strictly Come Dancing in 2005 with her 55-year-old professional dance partner, Ian Waite - told The Sunday Times' Style Magazine: "Obviously, there’s a part of me that would love to do it. But I will still be watching, whoever hosts."
In October, Claudia and Tess announced they would be stepping down as co-hosts of Strictly Come Dancing.
And Miranda shared her love for the show and her sadness about Tess and Claudia's departure in an interview with The Sunday Times, saying: "Tess Daly and Claudia leaving is, undoubtedly, the end of an era for Strictly. And it is true testimony to them that it should lead to such widespread news.
"This is a television show people genuinely care about. They talk about having a Strictly family among those they make the show with, but they themselves, alongside the judges, musicians and long-running pro dancers, have become family to the viewer.
"That is the power of television at its best. When a show becomes one that brings happiness to millions of people, it’s extraordinary. When a show brings families and friends together to watch it as a weekly routine, it’s extraordinary."
A BBC spokesperson told The Sun on Sunday: "Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course."
