Winkleman becomes regular host of Strictly

© BBC

Claudia Winkleman has been confirmed as Bruce Forsyth‘s replacement on Strictly Come Dancing when it returns in the autumn.

Claudia will present the BBC One Saturday night dance competition alongside Tess Daly following the news earlier this year that veteran host and legendary entertainer Sir Bruce Forsyth had stepped down.

The pair have teamed up previously presenting the Sunday night results show for the last three series in Forsyth’s absence. The new series will see Tess introducing the dances and probing the judges for their comments, whilst Claudia will host the post-dance interviews and reaction to judges’ scores.

Tess Daly said: “I’m so pleased that I’ll be working with Claudia – she’s long been part of the Strictly family and I’ve loved doing the Sunday show with her. It’s really exciting having two women host the show, and we are great mates so there’ll be lots of fun to be had on and off the dance floor, and of course I’ll look forward to being reunited with Brucie for the Children in Need and Christmas shows.”

Claudia Winkleman said: “I have loved Strictly since the second it appeared on our screens and I am honoured and thrilled to now be part of the Saturday night team. Working alongside Tess is always fantastic and I can’t wait to spend the weekends with her, our amazing dancers and the greatest judging panel on the planet. Sir Bruce is a living legend and we’ll all miss him very much.”

Charlotte Moore, Controller, BBC One, said: “Tess and Claudia are a fantastic duo and natural successors to Strictly’s presenting line-up now that Sir Bruce has decided to step down. Their commitment and passion for the show make them the perfect pairing to take Strictly into a new era.”

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One in the autumn.