Hold onto your sequins, Strictly fans – the ballroom is about to get a whole lot sassier! In a bombshell that’s left the nation gasping, insiders are whispering that charismatic TV favourite Rylan Clark has been secretly tapped as the new face of Strictly Come Dancing for 2026, stepping into the glittering shoes of legends Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after their emotional farewell just days ago.

‘It will change everything,’ a BBC source spills exclusively. ‘Rylan is the fresh energy Strictly needs right now. He’s a massive fan of the show, knows it inside out from hosting It Takes Two, and his cheeky charm will bring the fun back big time. Bosses are thrilled – this is the shake-up we’ve all been waiting for!’

The 37-year-old Essex lad – real name Ross Richard Clark – has long been the bookies’ favourite to take the helm, with odds tumbling in recent weeks amid frantic speculation. And now, with Tess and Claudia’s tear-jerking sign-off on Christmas Day still fresh in our minds, the buzz is reaching fever pitch: Rylan is reportedly ‘in advanced talks’ to become the main presenter, potentially fronting the iconic Saturday night show solo or alongside a yet-to-be-revealed co-host.

But here’s the real jaw-dropper that’s got everyone talking: the ‘partner reveal’ that’s promised to leave viewers speechless. Whispers from the Elstree studios suggest Rylan won’t be flying solo – and his on-screen ‘pairing’ could be the most unexpected duo in Strictly history. Is it his best mate Rob Rinder, fresh from their hit travel shows? Former It Takes Two queen Zoe Ball making a triumphant return? Or even a wildcard like Alison Hammond for double the laughs?

‘The drama is going to reach new heights,’ dishes our insider. ‘Whoever Rylan’s “dancing with” in the presenting sense, it’s going to be explosive. Fans won’t believe it – this season is shaping up to be one to remember!’

Rylan’s journey to potential Strictly stardom has been nothing short of a fairy tale. Bursting onto our screens as the larger-than-life contestant on The X Factor in 2012 – complete with that unforgettable audition and those teeth that became national treasures – he quickly won hearts with his wit, warmth and zero filter.

He went on to win Celebrity Big Brother in 2013, hosted Big Brother’s Bit on the Side for years, fronted This Morning segments, revived Supermarket Sweep, and even covered Eurovision with his hilarious commentary. But it was his stint co-hosting Strictly’s spin-off It Takes Two from 2019 to 2022 that cemented him as ballroom royalty.

Paired first with Zoe Ball and then Janette Manrara, Rylan brought glamour, gossip and genuine passion to the sofa, interviewing celebs with his trademark cheek. ‘I loved every minute,’ he gushed at the time. ‘Strictly is my happy place.’

Yet life hasn’t always been glitter and spray tans for Rylan. He’s been heartbreakingly open about his struggles – from a devastating divorce in 2021 that left him unable to speak for months, to taking breaks from his Radio 2 show for mental health reasons. ‘I’ve been to hell and back,’ he admitted in raw interviews. But he’s bounced back stronger, starring in smash-hit BBC shows like Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour and its India follow-up, proving his presenting prowess alongside barrister pal Rob Rinder.

Their bromance has been TV gold – witty banter, emotional depth, and adventures that had viewers in stitches and tears. No wonder head judge Shirley Ballas recently backed the pair as potential new hosts: ‘I think Rylan could be a good candidate,’ she said, before adding Rob to the mix. ‘They’d be brilliant!’

Fans are already divided – and vocal. ‘Rylan on main Strictly? YES PLEASE!’ screamed one on social media. ‘He gets the show like no one else.’ But others aren’t convinced: ‘Love Rylan, but he’s too much for the main gig – keep him on the spin-off vibes.’

The timing couldn’t be more perfect. Just yesterday, on Christmas Day 2025, Tess and Claudia bowed out in an emotional hug on the dancefloor after the festive special. ‘Thank you for watching us over the years,’ Claudia said, voice wobbling. Tess added: ‘This isn’t goodbye to glitter forever!’ as they slow-danced one last time.

The duo – the first all-female prime-time presenting pair – hosted together since 2014, with Tess a Strictly staple since 2004 alongside Bruce Forsyth. Their exit shocked the nation in October, but insiders say it was always planned as a joint decision. ‘They wanted to go out on a high,’ a pal reveals.

Now, with the 2025 series wrapped (congrats again to winners Karen Carney and Carlos Gu!), all eyes are on 2026. The BBC has stayed tight-lipped, saying only that plans ‘will be revealed in due course.’ But betting has been suspended on several names, with Rylan, Zoe Ball, Fleur East, Holly Willoughby and even Alan Carr all in the frame.

Rylan’s edge? He’s Strictly family through and through. He knows the pros, the judges, the chaos backstage. And let’s not forget his love for the glamour – those fake tans, the teeth, the outfits. ‘I live for sequins,’ he’s joked.

Off-screen, Rylan’s life is quieter these days. Single after his marriage split, he’s focused on work, family (he’s close to his mum Linda) and mates. He’s also used his platform to speak out on important issues, though a This Morning comment storm in summer 2025 saw him lay low for a bit.

But nothing keeps Rylan down for long. Friends say he’s ‘buzzing’ at the prospect of Strictly. ‘It’s his dream job,’ one dishes. ‘He’d bring energy, inclusivity, and that Essex sparkle.’

As for that mysterious ‘partner’? Sources hint it’s someone with ‘perfect chemistry’ – could it be Rob for a male duo first? Or Zoe for a nostalgic throwback? ‘You’ll be speechless,’ teases our mole. ‘It’s bold, it’s fresh, and it’s going to divide opinions – but in the best way.’

Whatever happens, one thing’s clear: Strictly 2026 is set for a revolution. No more safe pairs – hello drama, laughs and lashings of camp.

Rylan himself has stayed coy, posting cryptic emojis on socials amid the rumours. But his silence speaks volumes.

From X Factor underdog to potential ballroom boss – if this happens, it’ll be the ultimate comeback story.

Watch this space, darlings. The glitterball’s about to spin in a whole new direction. And trust us – you won’t want to miss it.