Yep, after weeks of wild conjecture (will it be Russell Crowe? Spencer from MIC? Cher?) they’ve finally revealed the identity of Sir Bruce Forsyth’s replacement on the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Tess Daly returns, thank god (we couldn’t deal with a whole new lineup) and will be joined by… Helen Mirren. Joking - it’s Claudia Winkleman, obviously.
Bookies favourite from the start, Claudia is set to host the post-dance interviews and reactions to the judges scores whereas Tess will be introducing the dances and interrogating the judges for their opinions. It’s not a huge surprise – Claudia’s been presenting the Sunday night results with Tess for the last three years – but at least we know they’ve got chemistry. And at least it isn’t someone weird/rubbish.
“I’m so pleased to be working with Claudia, she’s long been part of the Strictly family and I’ve loved doing the Sunday show with her,” said Tess. “We are great mates so there’ll be lots of fun to be had on and off the dance floor - of course I’ll look forward to being reunited with Brucie for the Children in Need and Christmas shows.”
Claudia also acknowledged her big-hearted, big-chinned predecessor: “Sir Bruce is a living legend and we’ll all miss him very much,” before revealing her excitement at presenting the upcoming series: “I can’t wait to spend the weekends with Tess, the amazing dancers and the greatest judging panel on the planet.”
Alright, that’s a bit extreme (and possible a thinly veiled dig a the UK’s judicial system amiright guys) but either way we’re happy she’s on board.
Although Cher would have been hilarious.