Strictly Come Dancing 2026 #2

[Fillyjonk]

I'm not a big fan of Mel but if she got the Claudia job I'd have absolutely no doubt that she'd be capable of doing it with ease. Most of the role is off script and there aren't many people I'd trust in that role. I don't want to be on edge while I'm watching it, seeing someone struggle and just waiting for them to duck it up.

I think as well, you need somebody a bit deadpan who can hold it together during mad moments while also able to come up with quips and ALSO being warm when somebody is upset. It’s hard to find somebody who can do all three but we know Mel can from bake off.

Apart from Rylan, I don’t think any of the other names suggested can do the hat trick.

 

[BarbaraBad]

Everyone gurns on that show in an attempt not to laugh.

I know that, but it was what she looked like when she was doing it! I didn't feel like that about anyone else.

 

[RainbowFuzz]

If it's not Rylan then I'd really like it to be Roman Kemp, someone younger and fun but not a gob!

 

[eloise b]

Mel is bit bonkers like clauds could totally see her in clauds role

 

[BugglyWuggly]

Yes I can see how they'd pick her to replace Claudia. I just went right off her from The Last One Laughing. But it makes sense.

 

[IndominusRex]

Popbitch this week has a story about Josh Widdecombe being a NIMBY

 

[lionesses25]

Mel G is a shout, I’d actually love to see her take over Claudia’s role. Needs to be someone warm and funny and happy to gently take the piss out of people but still absolutely have their backs. She came across really well on Taskmaster. Similar age to Claudia but think her girls are older - she seems particularly comfortable chatting with 20-somethings (demonstrated on LOL etc).

 

[Ubu1uk]

Mel did the Eurovision semi finals with Rylan a couple of years ago and she was really great unlike the awful Scanlon woman doing it this year, so I do think she will be ideal for the Claud role.

 

[Essexnic]

The fact that Dermot snogged Mel is beyond me!

 

[ButtonDownTheHutches]

I really like & have said before she will be great in the clauditorium. It seems an unpopular choice on here though

I like her too. I'd far rather her than Josh Widdicombe. His voice is like nails down a blackboard to me, and he always sounds far too pleased with himself.

 

[ButtonDownTheHutches]

I think as well, you need somebody a bit deadpan who can hold it together during mad moments while also able to come up with quips and ALSO being warm when somebody is upset. It’s hard to find somebody who can do all three but we know Mel can from bake off.

Apart from Rylan, I don’t think any of the other names suggested can do the hat trick.

I agree, I can really only think of Mel & Rylan who have the right mix of quick wit, warmth/empathy, and the ability to quickly get the measure of a person's mood and adjust their approach, and to make it seem appear seamless and natural.

Plus Mel allowed Strictly to do this to her, so the show owes her a favour or two:

 

[KK77]

Neither of them.
Would rather watch Neil.

For me Neil is too much about himself but hey!

 

[missloveisland]

Well now I don’t feel so silly for saying I was holding out hope for the pair of them (appreciate I’m in the minority of Mel and Sue but hey I’d take Mel and Emma!)

 

[hughjars]

Can Tess and Claudia not just ask to take back their resignations? Pretend we’re all in an episode of Dallas.

 

[Geetbo]

Toss is probably cutting up all Vernon's clothes.

 

[Tuesdaysdoll14]

Toss is probably cutting up all Vernon's clothes.

Once she finishes charging and her update, she’s 100% going to be sending in fart noises to his radio chat show.

 

[Tuesdaysdoll14]

I like her too. I'd far rather her than Josh Widdicombe. His voice is like nails down a blackboard to me, and he always sounds far too pleased with himself.

Josh W once spent an entire year making his whole personality around the fact his primary school had six students.

 

[Tanley]

I really wanted it to be Zoe, but I think I could cope with Mel G in the Claudia role
At least she has loads of presenting experience, unlike Johannes.

 

[ChastityDingle]

Never really watched anything with Mel on it.
The role needs someone who can think on their feet. That is a big strength of Claudia's. Being quick witted too and able to respond with humour or with sympathy as the moment demanded.

 

[geneticsgirl]

Mel was great on bake off was always very good with upset contestants. I think she would do Claudia job well