Strictly Come Dancing hosts announced as Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe
Strictly Come Dancing have announced their new hosts – and this time there are three, as Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and former Strictly pro dancer Johannes Radebe take the job
Strictly Come Dancing’s fresh presenter team revealed
The BBC have announced their new Strictly Come Dancing hosts. After heavy speculation, Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe have been confirmed as the hosts – and they’re not the only ones. Former Strictly pro dancer and fan favourite Johannes Radebe will also present the show.
The BBC announced it in an Instagram post, where all three appeared. “Quiet please, Strictly host reveal 2026, please take your positions,” a voiceover said.
Emma Willis sat down first before she was joined on a stool by Johannes. As they posed for photos in front of a purple backdrop, Emma called Josh over, teasing: “What are you doing over there? We can’t do it without you”. In the caption, they said: “It’s official…September 2026”.
Emma and Josh had both become frontrunners for the role in the last week, with Josh being quizzed about it on Good Morning Britain just hours before the announcement. Josh coyly refused to answer, but said he would “love to do it”.
In reaction to getting the role, Emma said: “It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Strictly – I’ve cheered and danced along from my sofa for years – so to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend.
“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. 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.”
A source previously told The Mirror that Emma was “over the moon” to land the Strictly job. In an exclusive conversation, the source said: “She’s determined to put her spin on the role, but it’s a daunting prospect and she realises the enormity of it. Her life will totally change forever. But Emma is very likeable and she’s got experience of doing live shows. She is beyond excited.”
Josh’s first taste of Strictly came last year when he appeared on the Christmas special of the show. That episode was also Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s final show to air. Josh said of the hosting role: “Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly remains my career high point, so I am giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television. I adore Emma and Jojo and can’t wait to spend my weekends with them. I’ll dust off the penguin costume.”
Many fans had also been calling for Johannes to be a presenter as he has long been a fan favourite. It’s been over a decade since there were last three presenters on Strictly.
He said the new role was something he “deeply honoured” getting: “To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined.
“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.”
The last time was in 2013 when Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman both hosted alongside Bruce Forsyth. Tess and Claudia have both been involved in the hit BBC dance show since 2004. Back then, Tess was the host alongside Bruce and Claudia fronted spin off show It Takes Two. In 2010, Claudia joined the main show, where she and Tess both remained until last year, when they announced their exit in a shock Instagram post.
They wrote: “We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time.
“We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show. They’re the most brilliant team and we’ll miss them every day.
“We will cry when we say the last “keep dancing” but we will continue to say it to each other. Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza.”
In the comments of the BBC’s announcement about the new hosts, there were many positive reactions, including from Tess herself. Tess wrote: “Can’t wait to tune in. The ultimate trio.”
Zoe Ball, who was tipped to join Emma until she revealed she ‘failed’ her audition, commented: “CREW. congrats Emma Jojo and Josh. You’re gonna ROCK IT.”
Judge Motsi Mabuse cheered: “Let’s go @johannesradebe I am crying at this point. So proud of you!!! Welcome @emmawillisofficial & @josh_widdicombe can’t wait for the season !!!!!!! Can it not be September already.”
Her sister and former pro dancer Oti Mabuse yelled: “We are screaming.” Fellow professional dancer Neil Jones added: “Omg this is brilliant news. Welcome, welcome and @johannesradebe welcome to the role you are made for.”
“Yassssss. This is going to be amazing! What a day! What a series ahead! Xxxx,” pro Amy Dowden said.
Likewise, the BBC bosses were highly complimentary of their choices. Sarah James, Strictly Come Dancing executive producer for BBC Studios, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to finally share this wonderful news. The combination of Emma, Josh, and Jojo was unexpected, but their magic was undeniable the moment they came together.
“Emma brings a wealth of presenting experience and a natural warmth — she truly belongs in the ballroom and will guide our new celebrity cast through their Strictly journeys with love and care.
“Josh had us all in stitches with his unique style of self-deprecating humour and razor-sharp wit — and let’s not forget, he got a 10 from Anton in the Christmas Special, so I think he already considers himself a pro dancer, and then there’s Jojo – a one-of-a-kind talent who’s been a beloved part of the Strictly family for eight years and will bring all his experience and knowledge to this new role – plus of course his legendary wardrobe.
“Most importantly, what truly shines through is the love and passion all three share for this show. That’s the key ingredient and we hope our audience will love them as much as we do.”
Kate Phillips, the BBC’s chief content officer, said: “Emma, Johannes and Josh’s chemistry is undeniable. “There’s been so much speculation and hype, so I’m relieved we can share the news with the public at last! 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.
“Along with our amazing Strictly team, who are busy planning fabulous and unforgettable treats for this new series, I know this terrific trio can’t wait to join our judges and pros to bring us must-see TV on the BBC this autumn.”
Join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News , TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , ** Facebook** , YouTube and Threads – or visit The Mirror homepage .
