The ballroom is set for a major shake-up as Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe were confirmed as the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing, taking over from the long-standing duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The announcement, made on Tuesday, May 19, instantly ignited a flurry of reactions from fans, former contestants, and television personalities alike.
After weeks of speculation, the BBC finally revealed the trio who will front the 24th series of the beloved dance show. Following the confirmation, Tess Daly herself joined in congratulating the new team on Instagram, writing, “Can’t wait to tune in, the ultimate trio.” Claudia Winkleman also added her endorsement, describing the team as “MAGNIFICENT. What a trio.”
Among the reactions was comedian and presenter Rylan Clark, who admitted he had been in the running for the role but now fully backs the new hosts. Sharing his response on social media, he wrote: “Just wanted to say, as it was reported I was in ‘the race’ for Strictly, the biggest congrats to my Emma and equal congrats to Johannes and Josh. You’re all going to have the best time. Made up for yous. This wasn’t my time sadly, but I’m extremely grateful to even have been considered. Taking the news really well, but genuinely looking forward to the new series with you three.” Rylan accompanied his post with a reference to his iconic X Factor moment, breaking into hysterical tears — a humorous nod to how “well” he was taking the news.
Fans and professionals quickly flocked to comment on the news. Dianne Buswell wrote: “This is so exciting, particularly excited for our fellow pro @johannesradebe babe you are a true star and this role is made for you, we love you.” Amanda Holden chimed in: “This is just epic news. What an amazing lineup! Can’t wait to watch the next series, well done Emma, you truly deserve this.” Even fellow presenters like AJ Odudu and Zoe Ball expressed their excitement, praising the new trio’s chemistry and talent.
Emma Willis, the first to be signed by BBC executives, expressed her awe at the opportunity. “It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Strictly – I’ve cheered and danced along from my sofa for years – so to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend,” she said. Emma acknowledged the challenge of filling the shoes left by Tess and Claudia, whom she described as “two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long.”
Alongside her co-hosts, Emma looks forward to guiding the show into a new chapter. “I can only hope that we are able to help steer the ship as beautifully as they have,” she added, “and I can’t wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and judges. Fingers crossed for a 10 from them!”
Josh Widdicombe, known for his comedic talent and previous stint on the 2024 Strictly Christmas special, described himself as “giddy with excitement” at joining the presenting team. “Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the Christmas Special remains my career high point, so I am giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television,” he said. “I adore Emma and Jojo and can’t wait to spend my weekends with them. I’ll dust off the penguin costume.”
Johannes Radebe, a fan-favourite professional dancer on the show since 2018, expressed similar enthusiasm, describing the role as “beyond anything I ever imagined.” Johannes highlighted Strictly’s ethos of “joy, heart, and togetherness,” emphasizing how honoured he feels to help carry that magic forward. “To do it alongside the formidable Emma Willis and the utterly brilliant Josh Widdicombe makes it even more special. I’m ready — sequins, nerves, and all…please bear with me.”
Johannes, who partnered with Alex Kingston last year, will take on presenting duties for the first time. Although he won’t be paired with a celebrity this season, he will act as a roving reporter and participate in group dances. The South African dancer, known for his flamboyant routines and engaging personality, is currently starring in Kinky Boots on the West End and has also appeared on Doctor Who and Celebrity MasterChef. In 2023, he published his memoir, Jojo: Finally Home, which became a bestseller.
The new appointments mark the first time since Bruce Forsyth’s retirement in 2013 that males have taken on presenting roles on Strictly. Forsyth, who passed away in 2017, had co-hosted alongside Tess Daly before Claudia Winkleman took over. The BBC hopes Josh will bring Claudia’s signature comedic energy, while Emma provides a steady guiding presence.
Emma’s career trajectory lends her the credibility to helm the show. Starting as an MTV presenter in 2002, she gained fame with I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! NOW! and later fronted Big Brother and The Voice UK. Married to singer Matt Willis since 2008, Emma has balanced family life with a high-profile presenting career. Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe bring complementary energy, combining comedy, dance expertise, and fan-favourite charm.
A number of high-profile presenters were in the running for the roles, including Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, and Angela Scanlon. Zoe, who hosted It Takes Two from 2011–2021, recently expressed disappointment at missing out, sharing: “I didn’t get it, but it’s okay. I have worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection over the last couple of days. No, I didn’t get it, but if it’s who I think has got it, we’re in safe hands and the new hosts are going to be fabulous.”
Fans can expect returning professional dancers such as Dianne Buswell, Nancy Xu, Vito Coppola, Julian Caillon, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Aljaž Škorjanec, Alexis Warr, and Kai, alongside new professionals yet to be announced. Several notable pros including Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Luba Mushtuk will not be returning this year.
The judging panel will remain familiar to audiences, with Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton du Beke continuing in their roles. Together, the judges and new hosts aim to bring a refreshed energy to the 24th series, balancing tradition with exciting new dynamics in the Strictly ballroom.
The announcement has sparked excitement and curiosity among fans, with the official Strictly Instagram post capturing Emma, Josh, and Johannes together, exuding the anticipation of the upcoming series. In the video, Emma and Johannes share a cheek kiss, with Josh joining them on stage, symbolizing the start of this new hosting era.
As September 2026 approaches, viewers can look forward to a Strictly series full of sequins, show-stopping routines, fan-favourite judges, and an entirely new hosting chemistry. The trio’s diverse backgrounds, combined with years of experience in television and performance, promise to steer Strictly Come Dancing confidently into its next chapter.
Source: Daily Mail / Entertainment Daily UK
