Bradley Walsh Tipped For Strictly Host As Rumors Swirl

Speculation is swirling around the future of Strictly Come Dancing as the beloved BBC competition show faces a historic shake-up in its presenting lineup. With Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman bowing out after years at the helm, the rumor mill has gone into overdrive, and one name keeps cropping up at the top of potential replacements: Bradley Walsh. But what does the man himself have to say about the prospect, and could his son Barney be eyeing a spot on the dance floor in the future?

On January 17, 2026, as the Walsh family prepared for the much-anticipated return of Gladiators on BBC One, both Bradley and Barney Walsh sat down for an interview with Heat Magazine to address the swirling speculation. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect: with Gladiators launching that very evening at 5:45 PM, all eyes were already on the father-and-son duo, making their opinions on Strictly even more newsworthy.

Bradley, a household name thanks to his roles on The Chase and a string of primetime shows, has been a frontrunner in the public’s imagination ever since Daly and Winkleman’s departure was announced earlier in the year. According to numerous reports, he’s been tipped to co-host alongside other big names like Alex Jones or Holly Willoughby. But does Bradley see himself swapping quiz questions for quicksteps?

He couldn’t have been clearer in his answer: “Um, no. I love the show too much. I’m not a dancer. I can’t dance,” he told Heat Magazine. “But that is one of our favourite shows at home. My wife and I love it. So, I wouldn’t want to ruin that.” It’s a sentiment that will resonate with many fans—sometimes, loving a show is reason enough not to want to be part of it in a different capacity. Bradley’s affection for Strictly is well known, with the presenter often sharing his enjoyment of the program with his family.

But what about the possibility of stepping into the presenter’s shoes rather than the dancer’s? This is where things get interesting. While Bradley has consistently played down the rumors, his denials haven’t convinced everyone. During a December 2025 appearance on Scott Mills’ BBC Radio Two Breakfast Show—joined by Denise Welch—Bradley joked, “Presenting Strictly would ruin the weekend!” explaining that his Fridays and Saturdays are typically reserved for football and television. “I think it’s a big old commitment,” he added, hinting at the demanding nature of the job.

Yet, both Mills and Welch seemed skeptical. Denise quipped, “Because he’s got that twinkle, I never believe Bradley Walsh, whatever he says. It could be a long-winded way of saying he’s doing it.” Scott Mills chimed in with a knowing aside: “He did tell one of the [staff] he’s doing it with Alex Jones.” The playful banter only fueled speculation further, leaving fans to wonder whether Bradley’s protestations are merely smoke and mirrors.

As of January 17, 2026, the BBC has yet to make an official announcement regarding the new hosts. The suspense has only heightened anticipation for the next series, with bookmakers and fans alike weighing in on possible combinations. The prospect of Bradley teaming up with Alex Jones or Holly Willoughby has proven particularly tantalizing, promising a blend of warmth, wit, and live television prowess.

Meanwhile, Barney Walsh, Bradley’s son and co-star on Gladiators, offered a different perspective when it comes to donning sequins and hitting the dance floor. While not ruling out a future appearance as a contestant, Barney made it clear that Strictly isn’t in his immediate plans. “I think never say never,” he told Heat Magazine. “But right now, my passion is in making shows and acting. That’s what I want to continue to do.”

Barney’s measured response stands in contrast to his father’s emphatic “no,” suggesting that the younger Walsh might one day take up the challenge. For now, though, his focus remains on his burgeoning acting career and the high-octane world of Gladiators. Both Walshes were also asked about the possibility of appearing on The Traitors, another BBC hit. They described the show as “fun,” but remained noncommittal about any future participation.

Fans have been quick to imagine a scenario where Bradley hosts Strictly while Barney competes—a family affair that would surely be a ratings bonanza. While such a situation remains hypothetical for now, it’s not entirely out of the realm of possibility. After all, as Barney put it, “never say never.” Stranger things have happened in the world of British television.

All this comes against the backdrop of the Walshes’ busy schedules. The return of Gladiators has generated significant buzz, with the BBC banking on the father-and-son dynamic to recapture the magic of the original series. The new iteration promises plenty of action and nostalgia, giving both Bradley and Barney a chance to shine in their own right. Their partnership and rapport have become a talking point in their own interviews, providing a glimpse into a family that genuinely enjoys working together.

As the curtain rises on the new season of Gladiators, the question of who will step into the spotlight on Strictly Come Dancing remains unanswered. The BBC’s silence has only intensified the speculation, with fans dissecting every public appearance and offhand comment from the main contenders. In the meantime, Bradley’s self-deprecating humor and Barney’s open-mindedness have kept audiences guessing—and talking.

For now, devoted Strictly viewers will have to content themselves with reruns and rumors, waiting for the BBC to finally reveal its hand. Whether Bradley Walsh ends up as the next host, whether Barney takes to the dance floor, or whether both father and son find themselves part of the show’s future in some capacity, one thing is certain: the Walsh family has captured the public’s imagination, and their next moves will be watched with keen interest.

As January draws to a close, the fate of Strictly Come Dancing’s hosting lineup remains one of British television’s most tantalizing mysteries. Whatever the outcome, the Walshes’ candidness and good humor have made them central figures in the national conversation—and perhaps, just perhaps, the stars of the next big chapter in Strictly history.