The upcoming Strictly Come Dancing 2026 series is already causing a stir after the BBC officially confirmed its brand-new presenting team. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe will take over the ballroom from iconic hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, stepping into roles that have long been considered the beating heart of one of the UK’s most beloved entertainment shows.
Fans were first given a tantalising glimpse behind the scenes on Instagram this Wednesday, when the BBC shared clips of the trio preparing for their official photoshoot. In the candid footage, Emma, 50, Josh, 43, and Johannes, 39, admitted they were “petrified” about their new responsibilities. Josh, ever the self-deprecating comedian, quipped: “It doesn’t feel real, right?” capturing the mix of nerves and excitement perfectly.
Johannes, the South African professional dancer who has been a fixture on Strictly since 2018, was asked how he felt about not being part of the main dance teams this year. He responded with characteristic wit, explaining: “I’m not hanging up my dancing shoes as yet. I cannot. I mean, what is my life without a cha cha cha?” His comment underlined his enduring love for the show, despite his new presenting role.
The trio’s Instagram stories also captured them joking about the enormity of their new roles. Josh, sitting in the makeup chair, admitted: “I’ve just realised I’ve been booked for something with two of the most striking looking people on television, and I look like me. Absolute disaster.” Emma, meanwhile, shared that her “tummy is flipping consistently” from nerves, likening the sensation to walking down a staircase mid-Cha Cha Cha—a chaotic, jelly-like feeling that many of her followers could empathise with. Johannes, smiling through the nerves, acknowledged that while the task ahead was petrifying, it was equally thrilling.
Emma and Johannes also shared a heartwarming moment during the Instagram video, kissing each other on the cheek as they sat on stools, before Josh joined them for a group shot. The BBC’s announcement on Instagram read: “It’s official… September 2026.” The post delighted fans, generating waves of supportive comments from both viewers and past contestants.
Reflecting on her new role, Emma confessed: “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. 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. I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have into this new chapter.” She added: “I can’t wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and the judges. Fingers crossed for a 10 from them!”
Josh, who himself competed on the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly Come Dancing, expressed genuine excitement: “Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 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. I adore Emma and Jojo and can’t wait to spend my weekends with them. I’ll dust off the penguin costume.”
Johannes, known for his flamboyant routines and magnetic stage presence, described taking on the presenting role as “beyond anything I ever imagined. Strictly has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured 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.”
Emma Willis was the first of the trio to be signed by BBC executives, having impressed during chemistry reads and screen tests over the past several weeks. Josh emerged as a shock favourite last week to join her, while Johannes will present for the first time, taking on duties as a roving reporter. He won’t have a celebrity partner this year, though he will still participate in group dances.
Johannes’s journey from professional dancer to host has been remarkable. Having joined Strictly in 2018, he quickly became a fan favourite for his charismatic performances and infectious personality. He also currently stars in the West End production of Kinky Boots, adding yet another layer to his diverse entertainment career. Johannes has appeared on Doctor Who, competed on Celebrity MasterChef, and even published a bestselling memoir in 2023, Jojo: Finally Home.
The selection of the new presenting trio was fiercely competitive. Several high-profile BBC personalities were in the running, including Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, and Angela Scanlon. Zoe Ball, who has spent more than 30 years with the BBC, recently spoke about the disappointment of missing out on the role, admitting she had gone through “the seven stages of grief and rejection” over several days but praised the newly appointed hosts, saying: “No, I didn’t get it, but it’s okay. If [it’s] who I think has got it, we’re in safe hands and our new hosts are going to be fabulous. I’m so thrilled for them, and hopefully at a later date, we’ll be able to talk about them in more detail.”
Emma, Josh, and Johannes face the challenge of stepping into an iconic role, following the footsteps of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Their task is to maintain the beloved charm of the show while bringing their own unique personalities to the Strictly ballroom. BBC executives will be counting on Josh to bring comedic flair, Emma to provide poise and professionalism, and Johannes to lend charisma and energy, striking a balance that keeps audiences engaged.
As the 2026 series approaches, fans can expect an electrifying blend of nervous excitement and infectious humour. Emma, Josh, and Johannes will be joined by the returning professional dancers: 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 Widdrington. New professional dancers will also be joining, though their identities remain under wraps.
Meanwhile, the judging panel remains unchanged, with Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton du Beke returning to critique performances and maintain the show’s trademark mix of expertise and entertainment. Together, the new hosts and returning professionals promise a Strictly season filled with glamour, drama, and spectacular routines.
From behind-the-scenes nerves to the glittering stage lights of the ballroom, the new trio have already begun winning over fans with their honesty, humour, and heartfelt excitement. Emma’s transparent reflections, Josh’s comic timing, and Johannes’s warmth and charisma signal a fresh yet familiar energy for the long-running series.
The 2026 Strictly Come Dancing season, set to begin this autumn, promises to be one of the most memorable yet. With a presenting trio who are candid about their nerves, yet committed to celebrating the joy, heart, and drama of dance, viewers can anticipate a season that combines legacy with innovation.
Fans across social media are already speculating on how the new hosts will fare, with anticipation building for their first appearance on the ballroom floor. Emma, Josh, and Johannes have a monumental task ahead—but judging by the behind-the-scenes clips, they are ready to embrace it with honesty, humour, and undeniable charisma.
As the countdown to September begins, one thing is certain: Strictly Come Dancing has a new heartbeat, and the UK audience will be watching every step, spin, and cha-cha with rapt attention.
Source: Daily Mail
