Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe appointed as new Strictly Come Dancing hosts

Emma Willis Josh Widdicombe Johannes Radebe Strictly Come Dancing new hosts

The BBC confirmed on 19 May 2026 that Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe will present the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing, succeeding long‑time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The trio were introduced in a video posted on the show’s Instagram account, stating the lineup will debut in September 2026.

The announcement prompted a wave of reactions. Former host Tess Daly welcomed the “ultimate trio”, while Rylan Clark, who had been shortlisted, posted a light‑hearted Instagram video saying it “wasn’t my time” but congratulated the new presenters. Zoe Ball, also a candidate, expressed support on social media, and many Strictly professionals—including judges Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse and dancers Dianne Buswell and Amy Dowden—sent congratulatory messages. Fans voiced mixed feelings, with some excited and others lamenting that Radebe will no longer appear on the dance floor.

The change marks the first major presenter reshuffle for the flagship BBC dance competition since its 2004 debut, and the new hosts are expected to carry the programme into its next chapter.

Sources

'This wasn't my time sadly' - TV star says they were in race to be Strictly host [www.cotswoldjournal.co.uk]

2 months ago

Sept faits sur le danseur gay Johannes Radebe confirmé comme nouvel animateur de Strictly - Gayvox [www.gayvox.fr]

2 months ago

The One Show fans confused as Vernon Kay fails to address huge Strictly news [www.bristolpost.co.uk]

2 months ago

‘This wasn’t my time sadly’: Rylan reveals he was turned down for Strictly role [www.standard.co.uk]

2 months ago

Shirley Ballas launches passionate defence of new BBC Strictly presenters amid backlash to line-up [www.gbnews.com]

2 months ago

Rylan Clark shares statement as he misses out on Strictly job [www.liverpoolecho.co.uk]

2 months ago

Emma Willis confirmed as new Strictly host - 8 signs she's perfect for the job [www.womanandhome.com]

2 months ago

Strictly's new host Josh Widdicombe celebrates with fish and chips [www.dailymail.com]

2 months ago

BBC Strictly fans have same response to Johannes Radebe news 'I'll miss him' [www.bristolpost.co.uk]

2 months ago

Former Strictly host Tess Daly breaks silence on new 'dream team' [www.dailystar.co.uk]

2 months ago

Zoe Ball reacts to Strictly host announcement after being 'rejected' for the role [www.digitalspy.com]

2 months ago

Rylan Clark shares hilarious response to losing out on Strictly job: ‘I’m taking the news really well’ [www.independent.co.uk]

2 months ago

'Petrified' Strictly hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe joke show shakeup could be 'an absolute disaster' in new behind-the-scenes video [www.dailymail.com]

2 months ago

Zoe Ball's 4-word response to new Strictly presenters after shock snub [www.hellomagazine.com]

2 months ago

Josh Widdicombe breaks silence on Strictly Come Dancing host speculation [www.independent.co.uk]

2 months ago

Johannes Radebe broke down crying on stage as Kinky Boots cast congratulates him on landing Strictly host job [www.onenewspage.com]

2 months ago

New Strictly come Dancing presenters confirmed by BBC as Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe [www.standard.co.uk]

2 months ago