For the main presenting gig, Tess did a better job than I maybe expected, but for me she's not going to be more than competent ever at the role. If the producers want someone out front to just do autocue and not be noticed much, transferring the whole emphasis of the show to just dancing, she could do the job well enough. I'd suspect they'll want someone who can do autocue and half-decent off the cuff stuff too, at the same time as being mainstream enough not to put off older viewers. A Paul O'Grady or Rob Brydon type are probably more in line for the job on the producers' long-term replacement list, I'd guess.
On Claudia, I think she's great - kooky, fun and at her best off-script. She could do the main presenting gig, but it's not her forte. Standing still and reading autocue, she's probably a little too hyper for some viewers. Backstage too, if she kept the role, I agree with what someone else said and think they'd be better to have the couples run back and flop down on a sofa next to Claudia for a 'quick chat' - almost as if she was watching it from home. She's tailor-made for that role and it could become a much more significant part of the show than the current going through the motions role it has. They could give her 30 seconds longer per couple and cut some of the filler guff out front and probably make a more enjoyable show for most watchers.
Unlucky for Brucie boy, but probably quite lucky for the producers, they got some ideas how to do a post-Forsyth revamp of the show for the better last night.