Strictly Come Dancing has officially announced Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe as the new hosts of the beloved BBC show, ending weeks of intense speculation. The trio will take over from Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, who stepped down in October 2025 after 21 years.
Official Announcement
The BBC shared the news on social media, with the three hosts stepping out together to the track "Three Is a Magic Number." Kate Phillips, the BBC’s chief content officer, praised their "undeniable" chemistry. "There’s been so much speculation and hype, so I’m relieved we can share the news with the public at last!" she said. "I’d like to thank all the brilliant people we saw before making this tough decision. But the most beloved ballroom in the UK always leads the way, and in a Strictly first we have chosen three outstanding hosts to take up the mantel."
Who Are the New Hosts?
Emma Willis is a seasoned presenter, starting on MTV in the early 2000s before hosting I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! spin-off with her husband Matt Willis, and later Big Brother from 2013 to 2018. Recently, she and Matt hosted Love Is Blind UK on Netflix. Josh Widdicombe is a comedian and TV presenter, known for his work on The Last Leg and various panel shows. Johannes Radebe is a professional dancer on Strictly, bringing his expertise and charisma to the hosting role.
The BBC confirmed that the trio will present the flagship Saturday night show starting in September 2026 for its 24th season. The spin-off show It Takes Two, hosted by Janette Manrara and Fleur East, will reportedly become a vodcast-style programme similar to The Traitors: Uncloaked.
Bruce Forsyth originally co-hosted with Tess until 2014, and Tess and Claudia announced their departure in October 2025 via Instagram, saying they were passing on "the very sparkly baton." The new hosts beat out competition from Alison Hammond, Zoe Ball, Rylan, and others.
