'I'm a former Strictly pro - I know the perfect hosts to replace Claudia and Tess'

With Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepping down as Strictly Come Dancing hosts, ex-BBC star James Jordan has revealed who would be the ideal replacements in his opinion. The two stars he thinks would fill Tess and Claudia's shoes are Strictly judge Anton Du Beke and presenter Zoe Ball.

He explained: "Zoe Ball is a natural for Claudia's world - quirky, kind, funny and quick on her feet. She's done It Takes Two; she knows the rhythm of the show and the people behind it. Anton brings that old-school polish with a touch of Bruce - the warmth, the humour, the wink to camera."

He added: "Together, they'd give you familiarity that feels fresh. I'd move Anton off the judging desk and let him anchor with Zoe. It restores that classic masculine and feminine presenting balance that fits so naturally with ballroom and Latin. It's a proper Strictly reset."

Jordan also said the show needs some fresh energy injected into it, explaining: "It's time for a proper shake-up among the pros. Don't get me wrong - there are some fantastic professionals on that show, but we've reached the point where certain faces have been there too long.

"You lose hunger over time, and Strictly thrives on hunger, passion and fresh ideas."

The star believes BBC bosses should "replace half the line-up" and add in new dancing talent.

His comments come just weeks after Tess and Claudia announced their departure from the show. Tess has hosted the programme since its inception, and Claudia has been a main host since 2011.

The women took to social media to confirm the saddening news on October 31.

Within their statement, they said they were "always going to leave together and now feels like the right time".

Another part of their statement read: "We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream."