Claudia and Tess' Strictly replacement 'sealed' with surprising frontrunner

Strictly Come Dancing fans were blown away after the announcement that Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly would be stepping down from their hosting roles. But now the only question on everybody's minds is who will be replacing them when they wrap up the end of the season? The BBC has given no indication as to who will be stepping into their sparkling shoes, but there are many celebrities who could fill the position.

There are many people who have been mentioned, but one who is emerging as a sudden and surprising frontrunner isHannah Waddingham. Ladbrokes has Hannah coming in at 3/1 for taking over the gig, only beaten by Fleur East at 2/1. Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "Tess and Claudia shocked the Strictly universe last week, but there's a new name on everyone's lips right now, and the odds suggest Hannah Waddingham may well be a part of next year's presenting line-up."

Ladbrokes added: "Having been a 6/1 shot when the betting opened last week, the bookies now make Hannah Waddingham just a 3/1 shot to take one of the presenting gigs from next year.

"It means she's now level in the betting with both Janette Manrara and Zoe Ball, while Fleur East (2/1) is now the only other name considered more likely in the betting for one of the two vacancies."

Although Tess and Claudia will be working until the end of the season and the replacement wouldn't need to step into the role for another year, discussions on exactly who it will be remain ongoing.

It comes after the news that the hosting duo will be hanging up their dance shoes as they shared the news of their departure with a joint statement.

They wrote: "We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time. We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show.

"They're the most brilliant team and we'll miss them every day. We will cry when we say the last 'keep dancing' but we will continue to say it to each other. Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza."

Claudia added that it was the "greatest relationship" of her career, adding: "For Tess - I'm so lucky I got to stand next to you. You're funny, kind, whip-smart and a true friend and I love you."

Their exit will follow an incredible tenure on the show, particularly with Tess having been there since it first aired in 2004.