Rylan and new Strictly Come Dancing host Emma Willis have been friends for a number of years.
Rylan Clark and Emma Willis hosting ITV’s This Morning(Image: ITV)
Rylan Clark has responded to missing out on the Strictly Come Dancing presenting job as he congratulated his close friend Emma Willis on getting the role.
It was announced on Tuesday (May 19) that Love Is Blind host Emma, professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe will be working together as a trio presenting, marking a major first for a BBC dancing competition. They have the responsibility of replacing long-term presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
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!”
Johannes shared: “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.”
Josh added: “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.”
The announcement arrives after a string of huge UK stars were all linked with potentially taking on one of the biggest gigs in UK television. Among these names was none other than former X Factor singer Rylan.
Johannes Radebe, Josh Widdicombe and Emma Willis are your new Strictly hosts(Image: BBC)
Rylan and Emma have been close friends for a number of years, with the pair often seen hosting ITV talk show This Morning together. The pair worked on reality series Big Brother together back when it was on Channel 5 from 2013 until 2018.
Taking to Instagram shortly after the new Strictly hosts were announced, Rylan revealed that the reports were true and he was in contention to become a presenter. Sharing the iconic video of the moment he broke down in tears after learning he made it through to the X Factor, Rylan sent all his best to the woman he often calls his ‘TV wife’ and her co-hosts.
He captioned his post: “Just wanted to say as it was reported I was in ‘The Race’ for strictly, the biggest congrats to my Emma and equal congrats to Johannes and Josh. You’re all going to have the best time.
“Made up for you’s This wasn’t my time sadly but am extremely grateful to even have been considered. I’m taking the news really well (see next slide) but genuinely looking forward to the new series with you three x”
Replying to Rylan’s post, Emma told him that she loves him, along with a laughing face emoji. Meanwhile, a host of his famous friends also encouraged him to keep his head up amid the disappointing news.
Vicky Pattison, who competed on Strictly last year, said: “I love you.” Rob Rinder added: “More time to travel & READ.” Jake Quickenden wrote: “You’d have been great but the others will be great also! Love ya man.” Good Morning Britain’s Ranvir Singh posted: “Love you Rylan you divine being, actually gutted it’s not you!!!” Reality star Nicola McClean commented: “You and Emma would have been iconic.” Comic Leigh Francis added: “Sending you magical powers.”
