Strictly Come Dancing's new presenting trio—Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe—have humorously suggested that the upcoming series 'could be an absolute disaster' as they step into the roles previously held by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
The BBC show offered fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the three personalities preparing for their official photoshoot via Instagram on Wednesday. The broadcaster officially announced Emma, 50, comedian Josh, 43, and professional dancer Johannes, 39, as the new hosts on Tuesday.
In the video shared on Instagram Stories, the trio confessed to feeling 'petrified.' Josh remarked, 'It doesn't feel real, right?' Johannes was then asked how he felt about 'not being part of that dancing team.' The professional dancer, who has been with the show since 2018, responded, 'I'm not hanging up my dancing shoes as yet. I cannot. I mean, what is my life without a cha cha cha?'
The next clip captured the trio chatting near the makeup chair about landing the presenting gig. Josh said, 'Genuinely this is the most exciting thing in my life, that I've ever kept to myself.' Emma admitted her 'tummy is flipping consistently' from nerves. She added, 'I imagine it's how you feel when you know you've got to walk down the stairs, dancing the cha cha! Like everything goes to jelly. That's how I feel thinking about what we're about to do.'
Johannes acknowledged that while it is 'petrifying,' it is also thrilling. Josh then joked from the makeup chair, 'I've just realised I've been booked for something with two of the most striking looking people on television, and I look like me. Absolute disaster.'
The new hosts will take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down at the end of last year following a rigorous audition process. The news was confirmed on Strictly's official Instagram page, with the caption reading: 'It's official….September 2026.'
In the video, Emma and Johannes kissed each other on the cheek while seated on stools, before Josh was invited to join them. Emma expressed her excitement, saying, 'It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Strictly – I've cheered and danced along from my sofa for years – so to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can't quite comprehend.' She acknowledged the legacy of Tess and Claudia, adding, '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. I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter.'
Josh, a fan of the show who competed as a contestant on the 2024 Christmas special, said he was 'giddy with excitement' to have secured a presenting slot. 'Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly remains my career high point, so I am giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television,' he stated. 'I adore Emma and Jojo and can't wait to spend my weekends with them. I'll dust off the penguin costume.'
Johannes described the hosting opportunity as 'beyond anything I ever imagined.' He noted that the long-running show 'has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness,' and he feels 'deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward.' He added, 'To do it alongside the formidable Emma Willis and the utterly brilliant Josh Widdicombe makes it even more special. I'm ready-sequins, nerves, and all...please bear with me.'
Emma was the first of the trio to be signed by BBC bosses after a shortlist of presenters underwent chemistry reads and screen tests over the past few weeks. Josh emerged as a favourite after impressing bosses. Johannes, one of Strictly's most beloved professional dancers, will take on presenting duties for the first time, acting as a roving reporter and participating in group dances, though he will not have a celebrity partner this year.
The South African dancer quickly became a fan favourite due to his flamboyant routines and outgoing personality. He is currently starring in Kinky Boots on the West End stage and has appeared in Doctor Who and competed on Celebrity MasterChef. In 2023, he published his memoir Jojo: Finally Home, which became a bestseller.
A number of high-profile names were in the running for the roles, including Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, and Angela Scanlon. Zoe, who has been a BBC stalwart for over 30 years, recently spoke of her 'grief' at not landing the role after auditioning. 'I didn't get it, but it's okay,' she said on the Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley. 'I have worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection over the last couple of days.'
