The BBC has been carefully navigating the speculation for months, but Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe have officially been confirmed as the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing. This marks a significant change for the show, as the trio will be the first line-up of three presenters since Tess Daly, Bruce Forsyth and Claudia Winkleman took on the role together in 2013.
In a statement, Willis expressed her excitement about joining the show. She described herself as a “huge fan” of Strictly and admitted that she finds it hard to believe she will be a presenter on the program. “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,” she said. “I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter. 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!”
Widdicombe, who participated in the 2024 Christmas Special, shared his own thoughts on the new role. He mentioned that dancing the Charleston while dressed as a penguin remains his career highlight. “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.”
However, Widdicombe also reflected on his appearance on the show, calling it “the worst day” of his career after realising he was the “worst dancer” in the line-up.
Radebe, who is rumoured to take on a “roving reporter” role, shared his feelings about returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new capacity. “To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined,” he said. “This show has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now 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. Love Jojo.”
Rumours about the new hosts have been circulating since Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their departure from the BBC competition. In recent weeks, Willis emerged as a strong contender for the role. Producers are hoping to recreate the dynamic styles of Daly and Winkleman, with the former’s sleek professionalism in the main studio and Winkleman’s mastery of controlled chaos in the “Clauditorium.”
The selection process for the hosting roles was rigorous, involving filmed auditions and chemistry tests. Presenters such as Angela Scanlon, Rylan Clark and Alison Hammond were put through their paces during this process.
The Strictly hosting roles are among the most prestigious jobs in UK showbusiness, requiring a major commitment. The series runs for three months each year, with live shows and results recorded on Saturday nights.
Zoe Ball was initially considered as a potential replacement for Daly and Winkleman earlier this year. However, she confirmed in May that she was not offered the role. “I didn’t get it, but it’s OK,” she said on her podcast, Dig It. “If 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.”
Alan Carr also ruled himself out of the competition, admitting that he did not “love it enough.” He told The Telegraph in May: “I didn’t turn it down, I was just clumped with everyone and had to say: ‘No, don’t put me in the mix.’ I love watching Strictly, but I don’t love it enough. People are always moaning there aren’t new, fresh faces on TV. Well, wouldn’t it be amazing to give it to a young person who absolutely adores Strictly and dancing?”
While Daly and Winkleman hosted the pre-recorded Strictly festive special, the 2025 series’s grand final marked their final time in the ballroom, as it was recorded live one week before Christmas. The pair received an emotional send-off, with Anton du Beke reducing Daly to tears with a touching tribute to her time on the show. The event then transitioned into a celebration of the presenters, featuring a montage of fans sharing their favourite moments.
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