Strictly Come Dancing is officially entering a brand-new era after the BBC confirmed Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe as the show’s new hosts — replacing beloved presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. 💃✨
The announcement marks one of the biggest shake-ups in the history of the BBC ballroom competition, with three fresh faces stepping into some of the most sought-after jobs in British television. After weeks of speculation, secret auditions and chemistry tests, the news was finally revealed on Strictly’s official Instagram page with the simple but dramatic caption: “It’s official…. September 2026.”
In the short announcement video, Emma and Johannes were seen sitting together before kissing each other on the cheek, with Josh then invited over to join them. It was a playful, warm introduction to the trio who will now be responsible for steering one of the BBC’s biggest entertainment shows into its next chapter. 🌟
Emma, 50, who has fronted major shows including Big Brother, The Voice UK and Love Is Blind UK, was the first of the trio to be signed by bosses after impressing during the audition process. Speaking about the role, she admitted that stepping into the Strictly ballroom feels almost impossible to comprehend, saying she has cheered and danced along from her sofa for years.
But she was also quick to honour the legacy of Tess and Claudia, who stepped down in October 2025 after 11 years presenting together. Emma called them “wonderful, iconic women” and said they had been the “beating heart” of the show for so long. She added that it would be impossible to fill their shoes, but hoped the new team could help guide Strictly beautifully into a new era. 💕
Josh, 43, is perhaps the most unexpected choice of the three, but BBC bosses are clearly betting on his sharp wit and live TV experience. The comedian, who has co-hosted The Last Leg since 2012, already has his own bizarre place in Strictly history after competing in the 2024 Christmas special dressed as a penguin and dancing the Charleston.
Now, he is trading novelty costume chaos for one of the biggest presenting roles in the country. Josh joked that dancing as a penguin remains his career high point, adding that he is “giddy with excitement,” honoured and slightly overwhelmed to be stepping into what he called the biggest shoes in television.
His arrival is especially significant because he and Johannes will be the first male presenters to front the main show since Sir Bruce Forsyth, who hosted alongside Tess until retiring in 2013. That detail alone gives the new line-up a sense of history, pressure and expectation. ⚡
Johannes, 39, brings a very different kind of magic. The South African-born professional dancer has been part of Strictly since 2018 and quickly became one of the show’s most beloved stars thanks to his flamboyant routines, emotional openness and dazzling personality.
He said the opportunity to host is beyond anything he ever imagined, describing Strictly as a show built on joy, heart and togetherness. Now, he says, he feels deeply honoured to help carry that magic forward alongside Emma and Josh.
Johannes will not have a celebrity partner this year as he moves into a presenting role, but he will still participate in group dances and is expected to serve as a roving reporter. His new position gives the show an insider voice — someone who understands the nerves, glitter, backstage chaos and emotional pressure of the ballroom better than almost anyone. 🌹
The competition for the hosting roles was fierce, with major names including Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark and Angela Scanlon all linked to the job. Zoe recently admitted she had worked through the “seven stages of grief and rejection” after missing out, though she graciously said the show would be in safe hands.
And what a huge task awaits the new trio. Tess and Claudia were adored for their warmth, humour and chemistry, and replacing them will not be easy. Emma is expected to bring polish and calm control, Josh will likely deliver the quick comic energy once associated with Claudia, and Johannes will add sparkle, empathy and ballroom authenticity.
The professional dancer line-up has also seen major changes, with favourites including Dianne Buswell, Vito Coppola, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Aljaž Škorjanec and Kai Widdrington returning. Meanwhile, Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas and Luba Mushtuk are among those leaving after a dramatic shake-up.
The judges remain familiar, with Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton du Beke all set to return.
New hosts, new energy, new pressure — and one enormous glitterball legacy to protect. Strictly 2026 is officially stepping into the unknown, and the ballroom will never look quite the same again. 🌟
