BBC Begins Search for New Strictly Come Dancing Presenters

May 9, 2026, 17:34
UKEntertainment

Introduction

The BBC is currently looking for new hosts for Strictly Come Dancing after the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

Main Body

This change is happening during a wider reorganization of the show, which has resulted in the loss of five professional dancers and changes to the 'It Takes Two' spin-off. While the judges and the remaining dancers are confirmed for the autumn series, the new hosts have not yet been chosen. The recruitment process included a shortlist of ten candidates, such as Emma Willis, Rylan Clark, and Alison Hammond, who took part in screen tests. To keep the process secret, the broadcaster required all candidates to sign non-disclosure agreements. Different candidates have different views on the role. For instance, Alison Hammond has publicly stated that she is available and capable of doing the job. On the other hand, Bradley Walsh may not be able to take the role due to conflicts with his touring schedule. Furthermore, comedian Alan Carr has clearly said he is not interested, as he lacks passion for the show and believes a less famous television personality should be hired. There is a lot of speculation that Zoe Ball will be appointed because she previously hosted 'It Takes Two' and has been interacting with the show's staff on social media. Internal sources suggest that the choice has been narrowed down to three women. Ball is seen as a strong option because she knows the show well, although she has reportedly expressed some concerns about the intense public attention.

Conclusion

The BBC has not yet officially announced the new hosts, but a final decision is expected before the autumn premiere.

Learning

⚡ The 'B2 Power-Up': Moving from Simple to Sophisticated

At an A2 level, you describe things simply: "He is not interested because he doesn't like the show." But to reach B2, you need to connect ideas with logic and contrast.

🧩 The Art of the 'Contrast Linker'

Look at how the text moves away from simple sentences to create a flow. Instead of using 'but' every time, the article uses these professional anchors:

  • "On the other hand..." →\rightarrow Used to present a direct opposite situation. (Example: Alison is ready; on the other hand, Bradley is too busy).
  • "Although..." →\rightarrow Used to introduce a surprising contrast in the same sentence. (Example: She knows the show, although she is worried about the attention).
  • "Furthermore..." →\rightarrow Used to add a new, supporting point to an argument.

🛠️ Leveling Up Your Vocabulary

Stop using "get" or "find" for everything. The article uses Specific Professional Verbs that make you sound more fluent:

A2 Word (Simple)B2 Upgrade (Precise)Context from Text
ChooseAppoint"Zoe Ball will be appointed"
Make smallerNarrow down"narrowed down to three women"
Be part ofTake part in"took part in screen tests"

💡 Pro Tip: The 'Passive' Shift

Notice the phrase: "The choice has been narrowed down."

In A2, we say "The BBC narrowed down the choice." (Who did it? The BBC). In B2, we often focus on the result rather than the person. This is called the Passive Voice. It makes your English sound more formal, objective, and academic.

Vocabulary Learning

reorganization (n.)
The act of restructuring or changing the structure of an organisation.
Example:The company’s reorganization helped streamline its operations.
loss (n.)
The state of no longer having something that was once possessed.
Example:The loss of five dancers disappointed fans.
professional (adj.)
Having special training or knowledge in a particular field.
Example:She is a professional dancer.
spin-off (n.)
A TV show or film that is based on a character or theme from another series.
Example:The spin‑off was very popular.
confirmed (adj.)
Verified or proven to be true.
Example:The judges were confirmed for the autumn series.
recruitment (n.)
The process of finding and hiring people for jobs.
Example:Recruitment of new hosts began last month.
shortlist (n.)
A list of selected candidates.
Example:The shortlist had ten names.
candidates (n.)
People who apply for a job.
Example:Candidates were invited to screen tests.
broadcaster (n.)
An organisation that transmits programmes over radio or television.
Example:The broadcaster requested signatures.
publicly (adv.)
In a way that is open to everyone.
Example:She publicly said she was available.
available (adj.)
Free to use or obtain.
Example:He is available for the role.
capable (adj.)
Having the ability to do something.
Example:She is capable of handling the job.
conflicts (n.)
Disagreements or clashes between people or ideas.
Example:Conflicts with his schedule could prevent him.
touring (adj.)
Relating to traveling to perform or show.
Example:His touring schedule is busy.
comedian (n.)
A person who tells jokes for an audience.
Example:The comedian declined the offer.
clearly (adv.)
In a way that is easy to see or understand.
Example:He clearly said he was not interested.
passion (n.)
Strong enthusiasm or love for something.
Example:She lacks passion for the show.
personality (n.)
The qualities that make a person unique.
Example:A famous personality was suggested.
speculation (n.)
Guessing or forming opinions without facts.
Example:There is much speculation about the choice.
previously (adv.)
Before the current time or event.
Example:She previously hosted the show.
interacting (v.)
Communicating or working together with others.
Example:They are interacting on social media.
internal (adj.)
Inside an organisation or system.
Example:Internal sources said the choice narrowed.
narrowed (adj.)
Reduced to a smaller number or range.
Example:The options were narrowed to three.
strong (adj.)
Having great power, influence, or quality.
Example:She is a strong candidate.
concerns (n.)
Worries or problems about something.
Example:He has concerns about attention.
intense (adj.)
Very strong or extreme in degree.
Example:Intense public attention can be stressful.
official (adj.)
Formal or recognized by authority.
Example:The official announcement came later.
premiere (n.)
The first public showing of a show or film.
Example:The premiere is scheduled for autumn.