Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are the new Strictly Come Dancing hosts(Image: BBC)
The new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing have been confirmed as Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe with the threesome replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
As those who follow the hit BBC One dance show know, there was widespread shock back in October when Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their plans to leave after 14 years at the helm together, with Tess hosting the show from the beginning in 2004, then with Sir Bruce Forsyth.
They said in a joint statement at the time: “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.”
It was then in December they were seen hosting Strictly live for the last time as the 2025 series drew to an emotional close. Their last show, which saw Karen Carney and Carlos Gu crowned Strictly 2025 champions, saw them welcomed with a standing ovation from the studio audience, before the show featured a number of tributes to the presenters, including from the Queen, as well as fans of the show.
It was on Tuesday (May 19) that presenter Emma, comedian Josh and professional dancer Johannes were revealed as Strictly’s new hosts, with the latter coming after he was confirmed to be returning in the pro line-up this year.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
The trio have been announced as Strictly’s new hosts
Kate Phillips. BBC’s Chief Content Officer says: “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.”
Sarah James, Strictly Come Dancing Executive Producer for BBC Studios says: “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 ten 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.”
There are also set to be more changes to the 2026 series, following the exits of five professional dancers and the announcement of new faces set to join the line-up. Karen Hauer was the first to confirm her departure, and having appeared on the programme for 14 years, her exit marks the end of her reign as the show’s longest-serving professional.
Days later, Nadiya announced her departure after nine years, while Luba Mushtuk was the third pro to confirm their departure from the show. The fourth exit announcement in March came from Michelle Tsiakkas, who joined the series back in 2022. And at the end of last month, Gorka Marquez confirmed he would be bowing out after 10 years.
The professional dancer line-up for the 2026 series has since been confirmed and returning from 2025’s series are Alexis Warr, Amy Dowden, Aljaz Skorjanec, Dianne Buswell, Jowita Przystal, Julian Caillon, Kai Widdrington, Katya Jones, Lauren Oakley, Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Vito Coppola, and Carlos Gu, who won last year’s series with former England footballer Karen Carney. They’ll also be joined by returning judges, Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.
