Strictly Come Dancing fans are in for an exciting new era, as it’s been reported that pro dancer Johannes Radebe is set to join Emma Willis as part of the 2026 hosting team. The 39-year-old South African-born dancer, who has been a beloved figure on the show since 2018, is now rumored to be co-presenting with Emma after impressing BBC bosses during auditions and chemistry tests.
Emma Willis, 50, was confirmed as the first host on May 10, and shortly after, another fan favorite, Zoe Ball, announced she hadn’t been selected for the role. Now, reports suggest that Johannes could be stepping up as a co-presenter alongside Emma, after showing undeniable chemistry during the rigorous selection process.
According to an insider, “Everyone involved in the auditions – including the celebs – are saying the job is going to JoJo. He’s done incredibly well in the chemistry tests.” The source added that despite Johannes being a returning professional dancer on the show, his skills and natural charisma could see him promoted to a more prominent role in the Strictly hosting team.
Johannes Radebe’s inclusion in the hosting line-up comes after a tense and secretive audition process, where several well-known figures from the entertainment world were tested for their chemistry with Emma Willis. Sources claim that the BBC was considering up to three new hosts for the 2026 series, with Johannes potentially acting as a “roving reporter” during live shows.
A BBC spokesperson confirmed that plans for the upcoming series will be revealed “in due course,” but fans of Strictly are already buzzing with anticipation at the prospect of Johannes joining Emma in the hosting seat.
While the final host lineup hasn’t been confirmed yet, it’s clear that Johannes has left a lasting impression. He’s been a fan favorite for years, not only for his incredible dance skills but also for his warm, engaging personality that would no doubt complement Emma’s style on stage.
This news follows a lengthy search for the new Strictly hosts after Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced their departure from the iconic BBC dance competition last year. Since then, numerous celebrities, including Rylan Clark, Zoe Ball, and Alison Hammond, have been considered for the coveted roles, with the BBC eventually narrowing down the choices to a select few.
The dynamic duo of Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe would bring a refreshing energy to the show, combining Emma’s experience in live TV and Johannes’ passion for dance, making them a strong pairing. As fans eagerly await official confirmation, all eyes are now on the BBC to see who will ultimately take the helm of Strictly Come Dancing for its highly anticipated 24th series.
Stay tuned for more updates as the lineup for the new series is finalized, and get ready for a fresh, exciting season of Strictly when it returns to our screens!
