Strictly Come Dancing fans have delivered their verdict on the new presenting trio of Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe after the 2026 series launch, with reactions ranging from praise to claims that 'three's a crowd'. The BBC show returned on September 19, 2026, with significant changes, including the departure of long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Mixed Reactions to the New Hosting Line-up
On social media platform X, fan reactions were swift. A user named Owen said Emma was 'outshining the other two so much', while several others echoed the sentiment that 'three's a crowd'. Ryan admitted he believed Josh was 'out of place', adding: 'I get we can have comic relief but I think Emma & Johannes can do that too.' Suzi wrote, '3 presenters just seems unnecessary, don't see the point of it,' and Sue added, 'The intro was far too long and as for presenters, two's company three's a crowd!'
Despite the criticism, some viewers were more positive. Olivia said, 'Josh is doing well. And I was sceptical. This year just feels so fresh and new. Loving it.' Mrs Brightside wrote, 'I'm going to be controversial here…. I like Emma, JoJo and Josh!' Beverly stated, 'I wanted to hate the new #Strictly but here I am digging it! Even Josh!' Helen said she 'might be back onboard for this season', and JD advised, 'I really hope people give things chance to bed in and settle. It's the launch show, nerves are huge and all launches are different to the main show. Just give them all time!'
New Presenters and Celebrity Line-up
Emma, Johannes, and Josh were announced as the new presenters in May 2026. Emma, known for hosting Big Brother and The Voice UK, said at the time: '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. I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter.' Johannes, a Strictly professional since 2018, said he felt 'deeply honoured' and that the show has 'always stood for joy, heart and togetherness'. Josh, a stand-up comedian who competed in the 2024 Christmas special, said he was 'giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed'.
The 2026 series also introduced new pro dancers and a fresh batch of celebrities, including Dani Dyer, Lacey Turner, Bethany Antonia, and Will Best. The full couples are: Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola, Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakley, Jowita Przystal and Lawrence Robb, Will Best and Dianne Buswell, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Alexis Warr, Melanie Walters and Aljaz Skorjanec, Mark Karmalita and Tabby Stoecker, Julian Caillon and Dame Sarah Storey, Maddie Ingoldsby and Cach Mercer, Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden, John Nellis and Katya Jones, Carlos Gu and Jaime Winstone, Nikita Kuzmin and Dani Dyer, Kai Widdrington and Delta Goodrem, and Nancy Xu and Bethany Antonia.
What's Next for the Show
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday night on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The launch show's mixed reception suggests that viewers may need time to adjust to the new format, but the series will continue with the main competition in the coming weeks.
