Displaying items by tag: strictly come dancing presenters

So Claudia and Tess are to leave Strictly Come Dancing at the end of this series, and there's so much speculation about who will replace them.   Why?

Well it's TV's biggest entertainment show.  It's live TV at its best.  It's one of the BBC's most expensive shows.  And the series pulls in an audience that is priceless for the BBC - an audience that spans generations, and most importantly pulls in the younger audience too.  

So who will replace them?

It's no easy call - and that frustrates us.  Why?  

Well firstly the BBC does very little to develop and nuture presenting talent.  They show very litlte interest in finding the next generation of presenting superstars.  Training budgets are instead spent on schemes behind the camera.  It's a disappointing oversight.  

So who is out there that can do the job?  

It needs a personality not a presenter.  It needs someone who helps bring the show to life.  Sir Bruce was the personificaiton of the show - the old school song and dance man, whilst Tess was the glue that held the format together.  Claudia then stepped in as the fun, the comedy, the host of the 'backstage party' as the scores come in.  

The presenter has to have a reason for being there.  Roman Kemp is too dry.  Holly W feels to ITV.  Rylan - possibly...

We think it's going to be a Zoe Ball figure - or even Zoe Ball - her warmth and charm (and association with the show) makes her the perfect fit.  And then she'll be partnered up with a younger new talent.  Someone a little surprising...an up-and-coming comedian we think.  

What are your thoughts?  We'd love to know...

Our own Gareth was part of the small team that brought Strictly Come Dancing to our screens back in 2004.  

Since then the show has grown in strengh and has become one of the BBC's most successful formats - ever!  

Today the 2 presenters Tess and Claudia announced they are leaving after this series.  We wish them well.

But here's the problem.  Who will replace them?  The BBC in our opinion does very little do develop and nuture new presenting talent.  So how is ready to fill these big presenting shoes?  What talent have the BBC waiting in the wings to go primetime?

It's a big problem and is the reason why we set up The Presenter Studio 12 years ago.  Apart from us there is no-where to get industry help and coaching.

We really hope the BBC work hard and smart to get the next presenting team ready.  Let's hope for an interesting choice where new talent have the opportunity to shine.  

Good luck Tess and Claudia, you will be missed!