Entertainment · 19 May, 2026 · 2 min read
BBC Confirms Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, Johannes Radebe As New Strictly Come Dancing Hosts
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe named hosts of Strictly Come Dancing. They are replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who left the show last year.
Whether the hosting change is framed as a strategic “genius” move.
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Framing shifts from formal testing to tabloid competition.
Three New Hosts
The BBC has confirmed that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe will be the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The announcement was shared on the show’s Instagram page with the caption: “It’s official…September 2026.”
“The news was shared on the show’s Instagram page with the caption: ‘It’s official…September 2026.’”
Willis said she was “a huge fan of Strictly” and that stepping into the “Strictly ballroom” was “something I can’t quite comprehend.” Widdicombe added that “Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly remains my career high point,” while Radebe said returning to Strictly in a new role was “beyond anything I ever imagined.”
Reactions and Quotes
Tess Daly reacted to the reveal by writing in the comments: “Can’t wait to tune in the ultimate trio,” and she also posted on Instagram Stories that “The secret’s out and it’s a good one – what a dream team!” Digital Spy also quoted Emma Willis saying: “It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind – two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long.”
In a separate response, BBC chief content officer Kate Phillips said: “Emma, Johannes and Josh’s chemistry is undeniable.” BRylan Clark confirmed he had been in “the race” and said: “This wasn’t my time sadly but I’m extremely grateful to even have been considered,” while Shirley Ballas welcomed the trio with “Welcome to the family @emmawillisofficial @josh_widdicombe … and to our dear @johannesradebe I am beyond proud of you.”
What Changes Next
The BBC said the trio will replace Daly and Winkleman, who left the dance competition last year, and it has not yet been announced which role each presenter will take on. BBBC reporting also said it is “understood the new trio will have equal billing and hosting duties may be different from the Tess and Claudia era,” marking “the first time that Strictly has had three permanent presenters.”B
The BBC’s executive producer Sarah James described the new combination as “unexpected, but their magic was undeniable the moment they came together,” and she added that Willis would bring “a wealth of presenting experience and a natural warmth.” BJudges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke will all return when Strictly launches in the autumn, while the BBC confirmed earlier this month that five of the show’s pro dancers will not be returning.