The Huffington Post
Emma Willis The worst-kept secret in showbiz is finally out: Strictly Come Dancing finally has its new hosts. On Tuesday, the BBC announced in an Instagram post that Emma Willis , Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe would be stepping into the ballroom as the new hosts of Strictly when the show returns to our screens later this year. During last year’s series of Strictly, long-term hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they’d both be stepping down as its presenters at the end of the season. In the months since, there has been widespread speculation in the media about who would be replacing the pair, with The Sun reporting in mid-May that Emma and Josh had landed the role. Around this time, it was also reported that fan-favourite Strictly pro Johannes Radebe would be joining the presenting team in a new “roving reporter” role. Josh Widdicombe Before her exit in 2025, Tess had been the host of Strictly since it launched in 2004, first co-presenting with Sir Bruce Forsyth and later with Claudia, who took over as its permanent full-time host in 2014. Notably, this marked the first time in history that a presenting team made up of two women had fronted a live primetime show together. Tess said last year : “This isn’t a goodbye to glitter, sequins, or Saturday night sparkle (I could never say goodbye to those!). Strictly will forever hold a special place in my heart – but it does feel like the right time to hand over the reins.” Claudia also issued her own statement, in which she remarked : “Strictly is a magical, glittery, fake-tanned train and it’s been a privilege to be a tiny part of it. The extraordinary talent of the dancers, the band, the hair and makeup and costume teams, the unbelievable production crew and creatives – all utterly amazing. “I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go and I know the new hosts will be magnificent, I look forward to watching them take Strictly to new heights. “As for Tess – I’m so, so lucky I got to stand next to you. You’re funny, kind, whip smart and a true friend and I love you.” In addition to its shiny new hosts, it seems the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing is going to look markedly different, with a slew of the show’s resident professional dancers confirming they will not be back on the show in 2026. MORE STRICTLY: Zoe Ball Opens Up About 'Grief And Rejection' After Losing Out On Strictly Job Fleur East Admits She's 'Bothered' At 'Not Being Considered' For Strictly Host Job Josh Widdicombe Tries To Dodge Strictly Come Dancing Questions During GMB Interview
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