The ballroom is buzzing with news! The BBC has officially confirmed that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe will take over hosting duties on Strictly Come Dancing, stepping into the shoes of beloved presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Fans have speculated for weeks about who would replace the iconic duo, and the announcement was finally made on Strictly’s Instagram page with the caption: “It’s official….September 2026.” In a playful video, Emma and Johannes shared cheek kisses while Josh was invited to join the fun, showcasing the trio’s undeniable chemistry.
Emma, 50, expressed her excitement, saying, “It’s no secret I’ve cheered and danced along from my sofa for years—being part of the Strictly ballroom is a dream come true. Tess and Claudia set such an incredible standard, and I hope we can help steer this ship into its exciting new chapter.”
Johannes, formerly a pro dancer on the show since 2018, admitted the new role felt surreal. “Strictly stands for joy, heart, and togetherness. I’m honoured to carry that magic forward alongside Emma and Josh.”
Josh, 43, known for his memorable penguin dance in the 2024 Christmas Special, said he was “giddy with excitement, honoured, and a little overawed” at joining the show. He joked about dusting off his penguin costume, signaling a playful energy the trio will bring to the stage.
An insider shared that the decision to go with three hosts was inspired by the trio’s chemistry during screen tests, which executives felt could recreate the dynamic magic of the past while giving the show a fresh twist. The exact roles within the hosting trio are still being finalized, but all three will share equal responsibilities, promising fans a new yet familiar Strictly experience.
Tess and Claudia, who announced their departure during the 2025 series, will leave a lasting legacy, having hosted the show for nearly two decades. Now, the new era begins—and viewers are eagerly counting down to September 2026.
