Christine Lampard is quickly becoming one of the strongest contenders to step into one of television’s most coveted roles, as BBC bosses reportedly eye the popular presenter as a potential new host of Strictly Come Dancing.
The Northern Irish broadcaster, 46, has been tipped as a favourite to help fill the presenting void left by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who both stepped away from the show last month. The timing couldn’t be more perfect — Christine recently announced her departure from ITV’s Lorraine, where she had been a familiar face covering holidays for the past eight years.
Industry insiders say her name has shot straight to the top of the BBC’s wish list.
“Bosses think Christine would be an amazing choice,” a TV source revealed. “She’s incredibly experienced with live television, has a loyal fanbase from her years on breakfast TV, and brings warmth and polish in equal measure.”
Producers are also said to love the fact that Christine knows the Strictly experience inside out, having competed on the show herself in 2008. That insider perspective has proven popular before, particularly on spin-off shows like It Takes Two.
Beyond her on-screen glamour, Christine is praised for her natural interview style and easy rapport with guests — qualities considered essential for navigating the emotional highs and lows of Strictly’s live broadcasts.
“With more free time now, she’s become a serious frontrunner,” the source added. “She’s incredibly likeable, great to work with, and a name that keeps coming up in conversations.”
Christine’s television career spans more than two decades. She co-hosted BBC’s The One Show alongside Adrian Chiles in 2007, later moved to ITV’s Daybreak, and even stepped in as maternity cover for Holly Willoughby on Dancing on Ice between 2012 and 2014. She remains a regular panellist on Loose Women and shares two children with her husband, former England footballer Frank Lampard.
While Christine is firmly in the spotlight, she isn’t the only name being considered. Other potential candidates reportedly include Bradley Walsh, Zoe Ball, Alex Jones, and Alan Carr.
A BBC spokesperson declined to comment on the speculation, confirming only that plans for the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing will be announced “in due course.”
