Claudia Winkleman set to replace Sir Bruce Forsyth on Strictly Come Dancing

Claudia Winkleman is reportedly set to co-host Strictly Come Dancing after Sir Bruce Forsyth quit the show last week.

The 42-year-old is rumoured to be the 'first choice' to present the show alongside Tess Daly, who is likely to fill the octogenarian’s leading role.

A BBC insider told The Sun newspaper: 'They are certainly the first choices. Detailed discussions will start shortly and it is hoped everything can be sorted out.'

Winkleman initially hosted Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, now fronted by Zoe Ball, before stepping in for the 86-year-old Forsyth on the Sunday night shows in 2010.

Forsyth, who had presented the show alongside Daly since its launch in 2004, compared leaving his co-host to “breaking up with a girlfriend”.

He has also previously backed the proposition of a Daly-Winkleman team-up, saying: “I think they have got a chemistry that is working and is very good. And the more they do, the more they will get used to it.”

Daly's husband Vernon Kaye, Anton du Beke, Graham Norton and John Barrowman, had all been linked to the new presenting position.

If Winkleman joins Daly to present the series it will be the first time that a female duo has hosted a prime time Saturday night show on British TV.

Forsyth said: “I’m very sad at leaving the show but will be watching as a viewer.” He is also scheduled to appear on the upcoming Christmas and ‘Children In Need’ specials.

Stars already rumoured to be dancing in the upcoming series include ex-Coronation Street actress and model, Helen Flanagan, and former ‘TOWIE’ stars Mark Wright and Joey Essex.