New Hosts for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Revealed
Fans of Strictly Come Dancing have been buzzing with excitement as the BBC has confirmed a new line-up for the upcoming series. Among the most anticipated changes is the addition of comedian Josh Widdicombe, who is set to join Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe in hosting the show. This development comes after months of speculation and auditions, with the final decision now taking shape.
Josh Widdicombe, known for his sharp wit and comedic timing, made headlines when he jokingly referred to himself as the "st middle-aged bloke" on Strictly. The comment came during a live show at London's Hackney Empire, where he quipped about how the show often features someone who makes the rest of the contestants look good. His self-deprecating humor was met with laughter from the audience, but it also hinted at his potential role as the show's new host.
Widdicombe’s journey to this point has been marked by his work on The Last Leg, where he has been a co-host since 2012. His experience in television and ability to connect with audiences make him a strong candidate for the role. BBC bosses are hoping that his comedic energy will bring a fresh perspective to the show while helping to ease the pressure on contestants.
Emma Willis, another key figure in the new line-up, has been praised for her chemistry tests and overall performance during the audition process. A source close to the production said, "Emma is a household name and a safe pair of hands so the BBC know she will do the job justice." Her experience in presenting, including her time on The Voice UK and Big Brother, has prepared her well for the challenges of hosting Strictly.
Johannes Radebe, a professional dancer on the show since 2018, is also expected to play a significant role in the new series. Although he has not been officially announced as a host, insiders suggest that he could be promoted from his current position. A source said, "They all think he would be the perfect partner for Emma. He has been announced as one of the returning professional dancers but that doesn't mean bosses aren't going to promote him."
The selection process for the new hosts involved a rigorous audition and chemistry test phase. Nine shortlisted stars were invited to a secret location in London for full-scale dress rehearsals, complete with a judging panel and live band. The participants were required to sign strict NDAs to keep the details of the tryouts confidential.
Among those who made it to the final stage were Rylan, Emma, Tom Allen, and Alex Jones. A source revealed, "They really want to bring the fun this year. It's all about chemistry, who clicks instantly and can keep the energy up live on air." The BBC is considering various possibilities, including the potential for a third presenter to shake things up.
Returning and New Dancers
The 24th series of Strictly Come Dancing will see several familiar faces return to the dance floor. 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 will all be back. However, some dancers have been replaced, including Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Luba Mushtuk.
The celebrity contestants will be judged by a panel of four experienced professionals: Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton du Beke. Their expertise and insights will continue to be a crucial part of the show's success.
With the new hosts and returning dancers, the 2026 season promises to be an exciting chapter for Strictly Come Dancing. Fans are eagerly anticipating what the future holds for the beloved programme.
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