The BBC has officially confirmed that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe will become the brand-new faces of Strictly Come Dancing following the emotional departure of longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
After months of speculation and intense behind-the-scenes auditions, the BBC finally unveiled the new presenting line-up on Strictly’s official Instagram page with the simple caption: “It’s official….September 2026.”
In the announcement clip, Emma and Johannes shared a kiss on the cheek while sitting together before comedian Josh joined them, instantly sending fans into meltdown over the unexpected trio.
Emma, 50, reportedly became the first presenter signed by BBC bosses after impressing during chemistry tests and screen auditions over recent weeks. The presenter has long been viewed as one of the strongest contenders to replace Tess and Claudia thanks to her calm on-screen style and years of live TV experience.
Meanwhile, Josh, 43, emerged as the surprise favourite after reportedly charming producers with his humour and relaxed energy. Fans of the show will remember his appearance on the 2024 Christmas special where he danced dressed as a penguin alongside professional dancer Karen Hauer.
Johannes, 39, will step into a completely new role as a roving backstage reporter while still appearing in the famous group dance numbers. The South African star has become one of the most beloved figures on Strictly since joining the programme in 2018 thanks to his flamboyant performances and emotional storytelling on the dance floor.
Last year, Johannes danced with actress Alex Kingston, but this season he will not be paired with a celebrity contestant as he focuses on presenting duties for the first time.
Away from Strictly, Johannes has also enjoyed huge success in the West End production of Kinky Boots, appeared in Doctor Who, competed on Celebrity MasterChef and released his bestselling memoir “Jojo: Finally Home” in 2023.
Josh and Johannes also make history as the first male presenters to front the programme since legendary host Bruce Forsyth, who remained one of the show’s most iconic stars until his retirement in 2013 before his death in 2017.
Emma, meanwhile, built her career from MTV presenter to one of Britain’s most recognisable TV stars. After hosting spin-off show I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! NOW!, she became a household name fronting Big Brother and The Voice UK.
She is also part of one of Britain’s most loved celebrity marriages after meeting Matt Willis during her MTV years. The pair married in 2008 and share three children together.
The BBC has also confirmed which professional dancers will return for the upcoming 24th series, including Dianne Buswell, Vito Coppola, Amy Dowden and Nikita Kuzmin.
However, several familiar faces including Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez and Nadiya Bychkova will not return.
Judging duties will once again be handled by Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton du Beke.
