BBC confirms Emma Willis Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe as Strictly Come Dancing hosts in major television shake-up across United Kingdom studios

The BBC has officially confirmed a brand-new presenting trio for Strictly Come Dancing, marking one of the biggest changes in the show’s modern history.

Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe will take over hosting duties when the next series begins in September 2026.

Their appointment follows the departure of long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down after more than a decade fronting the hugely popular Saturday night programme.

The announcement was made through the show’s official Instagram account, where a short video showed the trio together in a light-hearted reveal, complete with hugs, laughter, and a playful celebratory moment that immediately went viral among fans.

How the New Trio Was Chosen Behind the Scenes

BBC insiders reportedly went through an extensive selection process involving screen tests, chemistry readings, and multiple rounds of auditions before settling on the final three.

Emma Willis, aged 50, is believed to have been the first confirmed name after impressing executives early in the process with her polished presenting style and extensive live television experience.

Josh Widdicombe, 43, emerged later as a surprise contender, reportedly standing out during tests for his natural humour and ability to bring a relaxed tone to high-pressure live formats.

Johannes Radebe, 39, a fan-favourite professional dancer on the show since 2018, completes the trio—marking a rare transition from dance floor performer to main presenting role.

Johannes Radebe’s Unique Step Into the Spotlight

Unlike traditional presenters, Johannes will not fully leave the performance side of Strictly Come Dancing.

Instead, he is expected to take on a hybrid role that includes roving segments, backstage coverage, and participation in group dance numbers.

The South African star has become one of the most recognisable figures on the show thanks to his expressive choreography and charismatic stage presence.

Outside Strictly, Radebe has built a growing entertainment profile, appearing on shows like Doctor Who, competing on Celebrity MasterChef, and starring in the West End production of Kinky Boots.

His memoir, Jojo: Finally Home, also became a bestseller.

Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe Bring Broadcasting Experience

Emma Willis brings decades of presenting experience across British television.

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She began her career on MTV in the early 2000s and later became a household name through shows like Big Brother, The Voice UK, and various reality and entertainment formats.

She has also co-hosted projects with her husband, Busted singer Matt Willis, including Love is Blind UK and ITV spin-offs of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!.

Josh Widdicombe, meanwhile, is best known for his long-running role on The Last Leg, where his comedic timing and understated delivery have made him a key part of the show’s success.

He also appeared in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special in 2024, giving him a small taste of the ballroom world before stepping into the hosting spotlight.

A Big Shift After Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s Exit

The departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman marks the end of one of the most recognisable presenting duos in UK television.

The pair fronted the show together for 11 years, helping transform it into a flagship BBC entertainment format.

Claudia, in particular, became known for her humour and quirky presenting style, while Tess brought consistency and elegance to the live broadcasts.

Their exit last year left a major gap that BBC executives have clearly tried to fill with a more dynamic and diverse trio.

Impact and Consequences

This hosting change is more than a simple lineup refresh—it represents a shift in tone for Strictly Come Dancing.

By bringing together a comedian, a seasoned broadcaster, and a professional dancer, the BBC appears to be aiming for a more mixed presenting style that blends humour, backstage insight, and polished live hosting.

Fans are already divided, with some excited about fresh energy and others wary of losing the chemistry that defined Tess and Claudia’s long partnership.

The move could also influence ratings, especially during the opening episodes where audiences often decide whether a new presenting team feels “right” for a long-running show.

For Johannes Radebe, the transition is particularly significant, as few professional dancers have stepped into co-hosting roles at this level on the programme.

What’s Next?

The BBC is expected to gradually roll out more details about the 2026 series, including celebrity contestants, new professional dancers, and format tweaks.

The professional dancer lineup will see returning favourites such as Dianne Buswell, Vito Coppola, Katya Jones, and Nikita Kuzmin, alongside new recruits yet to be announced.

Several familiar faces, including Karen Hauer and Gorka Márquez, will not return, signalling another major reshuffle within the dance troupe.

Judging duties remain unchanged for now, with Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton du Beke all confirmed to return.

Summary

The BBC has confirmed Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe as the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after 11 years.

The trio brings a mix of broadcasting experience, comedy, and dance expertise as the show prepares for its 2026 return.

The decision marks a significant shift in the programme’s presentation style and sets the stage for a refreshed era of the long-running entertainment series.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe are the new Strictly Come Dancing hosts.
• They replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after 11 years.
• The announcement was made via the show’s official Instagram page.
• Johannes Radebe will also continue participating in dance segments and backstage roles.
• Josh Widdicombe brings comedy experience from The Last Leg and previous Strictly Christmas special.
• Emma Willis has extensive TV presenting history including Big Brother and The Voice UK.
• The BBC conducted auditions, chemistry tests, and screen trials before selecting the trio.
• The 2026 series will feature returning professionals plus new dancers and unchanged judging panel.