Sam Thompson & Pete Wicks Address Rumours They Could Replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing

Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks — one of British TV’s most chaotic and beloved double acts — have finally spoken out about whether they would ever consider stepping into the iconic hosting shoes of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The speculation follows the shock announcement that the long-running Strictly Come Dancing presenting duo will exit the BBC hit after the current series (BBC News).

During an exclusive, banter-packed photoshoot with Notebook, the pair were asked whether they could imagine becoming the next faces of Strictly. Without hesitation, Sam jumped in enthusiastically:

“Pete has to be the new presenter. He HAS to do it!”

Pete, however, was far from convinced. Shooting Sam a familiar deadpan look, he quipped:

“I’m not ready to cut in a fringe. Tess and Claudia are so brilliant and so professional — and we’re useless.”

He added that the idea of the BBC trusting them with a primetime juggernaut feels…unlikely:

“It would be the most chaotic thing in the world, me and Sam doing it. I don’t think Strictly will be asking us any time soon.”

Sam, ever the optimist, maintained his infectious energy:

“I’d be shocked if we got the call — but I’d absolutely give it a go!”

A Duo Riding a Wave of Success

The pair’s hit podcast Staying Relevant has become one of the UK’s top-charting comedy shows (Radio Times), spawning a sold-out live tour and a bestselling book. Their partnership — a blend of Pete’s dry sarcasm and Sam’s puppy-like enthusiasm — has become a brand of its own.

Pete and Jowita shared a steamy kiss on stage(BBC/Guy Levy)

Pete, who reached the semi-finals of Strictly last year with pro dancer Jowita Przystał (The Guardian), also reflected on the now-viral kiss the pair shared during their emotional dance at the O2 Arena.

He explained simply:

“I brought her out for a dance… She choreographed it in our first two weeks on the show, and it was the dance she wanted us to do in the final. I wasn’t good enough to get her there — so I promised her someday we’d perform it properly. And where better than the O2?”

Life After Strictly: Does Pete Miss It?

Pete admitted he still follows the show closely and regularly attends live tapings to support close friend Vicky Pattison.

“I miss the routine of it… I threw myself into something so far out of my comfort zone, something no one thought I’d do. And yeah — I 100% miss it. It was humbling and a huge part of my life.”

Reacting to Tess & Claudia’s Departure

Pete admitted he was stunned when news broke that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were stepping down after nearly two decades combined at the hosting helm (BBC Entertainment).

“It was a big surprise. I’m gutted to see them go. They are Strictly. They were always so warm to me. Whoever replaces them has big shoes to fill — but I’m sure they’ll be fantastic.”

Sam agreed, adding that the duo are “absolute legends” whose chemistry and professionalism shaped the feel of the show for an entire generation of viewers.