The search for new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing may have found its answer, as Emma Willis is reportedly set to join the BBC dance competition. Following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the end of the most recent series, speculation has been rife about who would take over. Now, according to reports, Willis has been offered a role after impressing in chemistry tests.
Emma Willis: A safe pair of hands
Willis, 50, is known for her live television experience, having hosted shows such as Big Brother and The Voice. Described as a “safe pair of hands,” she is believed to have “absolutely nailed the chemistry tests” during auditions. It is strongly suspected that she will be announced alongside Zoe Ball, who would return to the Strictly fold five years after leaving companion show It Takes Two.
According to The Sun, Willis would take on the role previously held by Tess Daly, while Ball, 55, would step into Claudia Winkleman’s shoes. The pair are said to have “really clicked” during auditions, which also saw Angela Scanlon hotly tipped for a role. The Independent has contacted Willis and Ball for comment.
Willis’s career journey
Willis began her live broadcasting career in 2002 at age 26, after leaving modelling to join MTV. There, she interviewed early-2000s pop stars alongside Laura Whitmore and Melvin Odoom. Since then, she has appeared on This Morning, hosted Big Brother, Love Is Blind, and talent show The Voice. Her versatility and reliability have made her a staple of British television.
Zoe Ball’s anticipated return
Ball has been considered a clear favourite for the Strictly role. Last month, she teased something “glamorous” coming up, stating: “Obviously at the moment I can’t say anything about it.” In January, she said she would “love” to host the show but had not spoken to bosses. She also suggested Alan Carr, Amanda Holden, Vernon Kay, and Claudia Winkleman as potential replacements.
Changes to Strictly and It Takes Two
The 2026 series will see a shake-up in the professional cast, with Gorka Marquez leaving after 10 years, following the exits of Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas. Additionally, companion show It Takes Two is reportedly set to become a vodcast, with episodes filmed for viewers and podcast listeners. Claims that Janette Manrara and Fleur East have been axed were denied by the BBC, which called them “factually incorrect.”
The BBC told The Independent that plans for Strictly 2026 will be announced in due course, with preparations underway.
