After 11 years, 'Strictly Come Dancing' hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their departure, citing the desire to pass the baton and focus on new opportunities.

Their departure marks the end of an era, as they have become iconic figures in UK television, with their chemistry and pioneering role as the first female presenting duo in primetime Saturday TV highly celebrated.

The show, which has been a staple of BBC programming since 2004 and is renowned internationally, will continue with Daly and Winkleman hosting until the series concludes in the coming weeks.

The BBC has yet to officially announce their replacements, but several potential candidates are being considered, including Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, Alex Scott, Holly Willoughby, and former contestants like Natasha Kaplinsky.

Bookmakers currently favor Zoe Ball and Roman Kemp as front runners, with Ball's extensive experience on the show and Kemp's recent commitments making them strong contenders.

Ideal new hosts are expected to possess charisma, live TV experience, and a good knowledge of dance and the show, with industry experts suggesting that the decision will significantly influence the show's future direction.

Both Daly and Winkleman will continue hosting until the end of this series, which is set to air its final episodes starting October 25, and they have expressed gratitude for their time on the show.

The announcement has elicited emotional reactions from colleagues and fans alike, with Winkleman and Daly being praised as integral to the show's success and their departure seen as a significant change.

Industry insiders and former contestants speculate that the show might undergo format changes and that new hosts could be promoted from within or brought in from outside, with some suggesting the possibility of promoting from current or former dancers.

Winkleman, who has expanded her career with success on other shows, may be seeking to focus on new opportunities, especially given her busy schedule, while Daly has expressed her desire for more free weekends.

The significance of Daly and Winkleman's roles is underscored by their recognition as MBE recipients and their status as 'furniture' and 'DNA' of the show, making their departure a notable moment in UK entertainment.

Fans and industry figures have expressed their admiration for the hosts, emphasizing the emotional impact of their departure and the challenge of finding suitable replacements.