The BBC has announced that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and professional dancer Johannes Radebe will take over hosting duties on Strictly Come Dancing starting in September 2026, replacing the long-serving Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. according to the report, the trio was selected following what the BBC described as a rigorous audition process, with the announcement confirmed on the show's official Instagram page on Tuesday.

Shirley Ballas endorses the 'dream team' after a week of doubt

Head judge Shirley Ballas has become the public face of the BBC's confidence in the new lineup, despite admitting she was unfamiliar with Josh Widdicombe before this week. "I think it's absolutely brilliant what the BBC have done," Ballas told The Mirror, praising Emma Willis as "an absolute star" who "keeps everything together." She credited the chemistry between Willis and Widdicombe as the deciding factor, saying their on-screen rapport was "off the charts" and that she trusts the producers' decision-making process. Ballas also highlighted Johannes Radebe's unique appeal, stating "there's only one Johannes in the whole world."

The endorsement from Strictly's longest-serving judge carries weight, as the report notes that Ballas only spoke properly to Widdicombe for the first time on Good Morning Britain this week—suggesting the audition process moved quickly once the BBC settled on its final choice. Her framing of the trio as a "dream team" appears designed to counter early public skepticism about the departure of Daly and Winkleman, who have hosted the show for many years.

Josh Widdicombe's surprise selection over established names

The selection of Josh Widdicombe, 43, stands out as the most unexpected choice in the trio.. According to the report, a number of higher-profile television personalities were in the running, including Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, and Angela Scanlon. Widdicombe's only prior connection to Strictly was a 2024 Christmas Special appearance where he danced as a penguin alongside professional Karen Hauer. His appointment suggests the BBC prioritized on-screen chemistry with Willis over name recognition or prior hosting experience on major shows.

The report does not explain why Widdicombe was chosen over the other candidates or what specific qualities distinguished him during the audition process beyond Ballas's observation about his chemistry with Willis. The BBC's decision to elevate a relative newcomer to the show over established television figures may signal a shift in how the corporation values fresh dynamics over established star power for the role.

Johannes Radebe's dual role as roving reporter and dancer

Johannes Radebe, 39, will take on a hybrid role as host and roving reporter rather than a traditional dance partner. According to the report, he will not have a celebrity partner this series but will participate in group dances and report from the floor.. Radebe is currently starring in Kinky Boots on the West End stage and has become a fan favourite on Strictly due to his flamboyant routines and outgoing personality. His appointment reflects the show's recognition of his popularity while accommodating his theatrical commitments.

The gap left by two decades of continuity

Emma Willis herself acknowledged the scale of the task ahead, telling the show's Instagram followers: "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." The departure of Daly, 57, and Winkleman, 54, marks the end of a long hosting partnership and raises questions about how viewers accustomed to their presenting style will respond to Willis, 50, and Widdicombe's approach. The report does not detail how long Daly and Winkleman hosted the show or what prompted their departure, leaving a significant gap in understanding the context for this transition.