Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and dancer‑turned‑presenter Johannes Radebe have been announced as the fresh faces of BBC’s flagship dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing. the change follows the departure of veteran hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down after the 2023 series .

Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe named as new hosts

The BBC revealed the new presenting line‑up on Strictly’s official Instagram account, showcasing a brief video where Willis and Radebe cheekily kissed each other on the cheek before inviting Widdicombe to join them on stool.. As the post explained,the trio will lead the show from the upcoming series, marking a dramatic shift from the previous duo.

According to the Instagram announcement, the BBC selected the three after “a rigorous audition process,” underscoring the network’s desire to inject fresh energy into the long‑running format.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's departure after 2023 season

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman concluded their tenure at the end of last year, ending a partnership that had defined Strictly for over a decade. Their exit was confirmed by the BBC earlier in the year, noting that both presenters chose to step down to pursue other projects.

The duo’s final series drew an average audience of 9.5 million viewers, according to BARB figures cited by the BBC, highlighting the high stakes involved in replacing such familiar faces.

BBC confirms change via Instagram video

The network’s decision was communicated through a short Instagram clip, a platform increasingly used for major announcements. In the video, Willis, Widdicombe and Radebe appear relaxed and playful, a visual cue that the BBC hopes will signal a more informal tone for the next series.

As the BBC’s social‑media team wrote, “We’re thrilled to welcome Emma, Josh and Johannes to the Strictly family,” reinforcing the brand’s commitment to a seamless transition.

Will the new trio attract younger viewers?

Industry analysts are already speculating whether the eclectic mix of a reality‑TV veteran, a stand‑up comedian and a former professional dancer will broaden Strictly’s appeal to a younger demographic. The BBC has not released any targeted audience data, leaving the question of viewership impact open.

Two specific uncertainties remain: how the chemistry among the three will translate to live studio dynamics, and whether the change will affect the show’s traditional sponsorship deals.

What the audition process revealed about BBC’s priorities

The BBC’s statement that the trio passed a “rigorous audition process” suggests a shift toward versatility over pure presenting experience. Sources close to the casting, as reported by the BBC, said the panel evaluated candidates on live‑performance comfort, audience engagement and ability to handle the show’s high‑pressure voting segments .

By selecting a comedian and a dancer alongside a seasoned presenter, the network appears to be betting on a blend of humor, dance credibility and mainstream apepal to refresh the format.