New Hosts for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Revealed
The upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing is set to bring a fresh wave of energy and excitement to the iconic show. With the announcement of new hosts, fans are buzzing with anticipation about what this year will bring.
Josh Widdicombe has been named as one of the new hosts for the 2026 series, joining Emma Willis. This comes after a cutthroat audition process that saw several celebrities vying for the role. Josh, known for his sharp wit and comedic timing, made headlines when he jokingly referred to himself as the "st middle-aged bloke" on Strictly, just hours before the news broke. His comments during a recent performance at London's Hackney Empire were met with laughter from the audience, highlighting his ability to connect with viewers.
Josh’s journey into the world of hosting began with his co-hosting duties on The Last Leg alongside Alex Brooker and Adam Hills since 2012. His experience in live television and his family-friendly approach have made him a promising candidate for the role. BBC bosses believe that Josh can bring a new dynamic to the show, helping contestants feel more at ease while maintaining the humor and energy that fans love.
Emma Willis, another key figure in the new hosting lineup, has also been making waves. She was recently revealed as the new host, following her impressive performance during the chemistry tests. A source close to the production said: "Emma has been offered the Strictly job and is going to accept. She absolutely nailed the chemistry tests and the BBC adore her." Her popularity with the public and her experience in live presenting make her an ideal choice for the role.
In addition to Josh and Emma, Johannes Radebe is reportedly set to join them as part of the hosting team. The South African-born dancer and choreographer has been a professional on the show since 2018 and has shown great potential during the chemistry tests. A source mentioned: "During the chemistry tests he was paired up with every other celeb and did incredibly well." The insider added that they all think he would be the perfect partner for Emma, and there are rumors that he could be promoted to a presenting role.
Meanwhile, Zoe Ball, who was initially considered a frontrunner for the job, has publicly shared her feelings about not securing the position. She admitted to being "working through the seven stages of grief and rejection," showing a rare level of candor from a celebrity candidate. Despite this, insiders believe that the BBC is pinning their hopes on Emma, who they feel has the right mix of vulnerability and confidence to lead the show into a new era.
The Final Lineup of Celebrities and Professionals
As the show prepares for its 24th series, fans can expect a mix of returning and new faces on the dance floor. Among the professionals returning are Dianne Buswell, Nancy Xu, Vito Coppola, Julian Caillon, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Alexis Warr, and Kai. However, some familiar faces have been replaced, including Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Luba Mushtuk.
The celebrities will be judged by a panel of four experienced judges: Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton du Beke. Their expertise and insights will be crucial in determining the winners of each week's performances.
Behind the Scenes of the Auditions
The process of selecting the new hosts was intense, with nine shortlisted stars summoned to a top-secret location in London for full-scale dress rehearsals. These auditions included a judging panel and a live band, creating a realistic environment for the candidates. The BBC ensured that strict NDAs were signed to keep the tryouts under wraps, adding an air of mystery to the selection process.
A source involved in the auditions stated: "It's not just about reading autocue. They'll be looking at how people work together and humour is a massive part of it. There's everything to play for." The producers are hoping to make a decision soon, with the chosen few being watched closely for their chemistry and ability to keep the energy high during live broadcasts.
Among those confirmed to be in the callbacks were Rylan, Emma, Tom Allen, and Alex Jones. The Beeb is keen on bringing back the fun this year, focusing on who clicks instantly and can maintain the energy on air. While they may stick with two female hosts, they are also open to mixing things up, potentially introducing a third presenter to shake things up.
With the new hosts in place and the exciting lineup of celebrities and professionals ready to take the stage, the 2026 season of Strictly Come Dancing promises to be a thrilling and entertaining experience for fans around the world.
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