BBC legend reacts as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's Strictly replacements 'revealed'

Speculation has been rife ever since Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they will quit Strictly Come Dancing at the end of the year. The BBC is reportedly lining up Holly Willoughby as Tess Daly's replacement, who confirmed her departue from the show in a joint statement alongside her co-host Claudia last month. The pair will step away at the end of the current series, leading to speculation over who will replace them. Other names thrown into the mix have also included former show stars Kevin Clifton and his girlfriend Stacey Dooley. The Grimsby-born performer, 43, was partnered with the documentary-maker, 38, in 2018 and the pair went on to lift the Glitterball Trophy.

Former show star Brendan Cole has weighed in on the couple, who began dating after leaving the programme and have since welcomed a daughter together. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk on behalf Sky Vegas the 49-year-old admitted he would prefer to see "old-school entertainment".

"I don't really have an opinion on Kevin Clifton and Stacey Dooley potentially replacing Tess and Claudia. There's always speculation about who could take over," he explained.

"Personally, I'd like to see a bit of old-school entertainment - someone in the Bruce Forsyth mould, with that stage presence and dance experience that brings a bit of magic to the show."

Brendan added: "I'm not sure Stacey has that, and while Kevin's obviously a stage performer, it's hard to know how that would translate to hosting."

Meanwhile, the dancer who appeared on Strictly from its launch in 2004 until his exit in 2018, shared his verdict on Sunday night's dance-off.

Balvinder Sopal landed in the bottom two for a third time. The actress, who plays Suki Panesar-Unwin on the soap, laughed as Tess called her name again.

"Balvinder could easily be up against someone like Harry [Aikines-Aryeetey], and if she dances better on the night, she stays," Brendan commented. "I don't know what the record is for the most dance-offs - probably five or six - but if you pull out a small miracle when it matters, you can survive another week."

He continued: "The beauty of a dance-off is that you have the chance to save yourself, and it's supposed to be judged purely on that performance. If someone technically stronger messes up, the weaker dancer can stay - that's how it works.

"I don't see Lewis [Cope] ever being in that position, but there's always the chance someone else could end up there by mistake."

Nine contestants remain in the competition and this week they'll dance their annual Remembrance Sunday tribute accompanied by the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment.