Strictly Come Dancing’s Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are set to sign new contracts to continue presenting the show for the next two seasons.
The Traitors’ Claudia, 52, and Tess, 55, have seen the end of their current contracts and showbiz executives are reportedly eager for their return. according to the sun.
BBC bosses are said to be keen for the pair, who have fronted the show for more than a decade, to sign their contracts in case a rival broadcaster tries to sign them up.
A TV source told the publication: “This is not only a sign of the faith the BBC has in the presenting duo, but also indicates the commitment the corporation has to the program itself.”
“They are looking to the future after the last 12 months, which have been plagued by allegations of misconduct behind the scenes by professionals Giovanni Pernice and Graziano di Prima.
“Now bosses want to put an end to this troubled chapter in Strictly’s history and focus on the positive, which includes having two women at the helm of TV’s biggest show, something the BBC is very proud of.”
Strictly Come Dancing’s Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are set to sign new contracts to continue presenting the show for the next two seasons.
The Traitors’ Claudia, 52, and Tess, 55, have seen the end of their current contracts and show executives are reportedly eager for their return, according to the Sun.
The presenting pair were said to have expressed their loyalty to the show when Claudia took over as co-host in 2014 after previously fronting spin-off show Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two from 2004 to 2010.
MailOnline had contacted the BBC for comment.
The news comes after the show got off to a slow start last year, with the first live show grossing just 7.1 million, down from 7.8 million the year before.
The drop in viewers tuning in echoed a similar drop for both its release and its first live shows, with almost a million people tuning out from the former.
But it’s not all doom and gloom for scandal-hit Strictly, as it was revealed earlier this year that the show remains the most-watched show on Saturday nights.
A source said the sun in September: ‘Strictly remains the most watched show on Saturday nights, getting twice as many viewers as its closest ratings rival.
‘And, although catch-up viewing numbers are increasing, the BBC has always prided itself on the dance show offering a shared experience.
“But it seems like fewer and fewer people are choosing to share it on a Saturday night.”
BBC bosses are said to be keen for the pair, who have fronted the show for more than a decade, to sign their contracts in case a rival broadcaster tries to sign them up.
The drop in viewers comes after a year of scandal over the hit BBC show in which actress Amanda Abbington accused her partner Giovanni Pernice of bullying.
The BBC’s Latin and ballroom dance show returned to screens in the autumn amid a huge scandal and a surprise victory for the NTA on its 20th anniversary.
Throughout 2024, Strictly has been embroiled in a scandal that began when Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington accused her partner Giovanni Pernice of harassment.
The station began an investigation that lasted months and the professional was not invited to return to this series.
Giovanni was cleared of ten of Amanda’s 16 allegations when the BBC investigation concluded in September, but remained absent for the current edition of the series.
Although bosses found Giovanni to be neither threatening nor physically abusive, he did confirm some of Amanda’s complaints about bullying and verbal harassment.
The BBC also agreed with Amanda that at times it seemed to be giving her overly negative feedback.
In a written statement, a spokesperson for Giovanni said: “We are pleased that this six-month review found no evidence of threatening or abusive behavior by Giovanni.”
Graziano Di Prima was later sacked by the BBC following allegations of serious misconduct towards his ex-partner Zara McDermott (pictured in 2023).
Graziano Di Prima was later sacked by the BBC following allegations of serious misconduct towards his ex-partner Zara McDermott.
At the time, Graziano, 30, admitted hitting Zara during their sessions and claimed it scared her so much that she “locked herself in a bathroom.”
Mark Borkowski, Graziano’s spokesman, told BBC News: “There is never a time when kicking, or any sensation of it, is right.” And he knows it.
“He knows he made a mistake. He apologized at the time.”
Referring to media reports, Mark added: “But it doesn’t acknowledge some of the issues around it.” The descriptions of what is discussed online and how you remember it are not aligned.
Upon its launch, the show took a hard hit when viewing figures plummeted amid scandals and grossed over a million less than usual.
Another minor controversy arose earlier this year when Katya Jones pushed her partner Wynne Evan’s hand away during a live broadcast.
Wynne, who appeared in the spin-off series It Takes Two, admitted he had seen footage of the incident and confessed: “I can see how people may have misinterpreted it.”
Another minor controversy arose earlier this year when Katya Jones, 35, pushed her partner Wynne Evan’s hand away during a livestream. (pictured)
Wynne, who appeared in the spin-off series It Takes Two, admitted he had seen footage of the incident and confessed: “I can see how people may have misinterpreted it.”
Clinging to his arm, Katya said she “can’t stand” the criticism her co-star is receiving and was sympathetic that there was no crime.
She said: “The idea that it made me feel uncomfortable or offended in any way is complete nonsense, and to those who have doubts, you have been wrong.” So I hope this is the end and that you continue to make me smile.”
She added: “I can’t sit by and watch this man being portrayed as someone he’s not.” In fact, it couldn’t be further from the truth.
“So I have to make it absolutely clear that this whole incident, with the handshake and the high five on Saturday night, was an inside joke between Wynne and I. Was it a dumb joke? Yes, it was a sick joke. taste? Yes.’