Emma Willis has been revealed as the new host of Strictly Come Dancing, following Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s departure last year. She will also be joined by comedian Josh Widdicombe and Strictly pro Johannese Radebe.
The 50-year-old TV presenter has been confirmed as the new face of the hit BBC dancing competition, where celebrities take to the ballroom floor alongside professional dancers for a chance to win the coveted Glitterball trophy.
HELLO!‘s resident Strictly expert Matthew Moore said of the announement: “It’s the moment that many Strictly fans have been waiting for as we finally have a host! Emma has certainly proven herself over the years, hosting major shows like Big Brother and Love Is Blind, with the latter showing how well she worked with a co-presenter. And given that Big Brother can get a lot more chaotic than Strictly, she’ll certainly be able to keep the cheeky pros and judges in check whenever needed, while serving as an emotional anchor for a nervous star. And given how gorgeous she always looks on the red carpets, maybe she’ll give Tess a run with the spectacular outfits she’ll wear on the BBC’s flagship show.”
The moment was confirmed on Strictly’s Instagram showing Emma being joined by Johannes, with Josh joining the pair afterwards. The account teased: “It’s official…September 2026.” The show’s Instagram account has since changed its profile picture to include the trio.
The news may come as a surprise to some, as when Strictly confirmed its professional line-up, Johannes was included among the group.
Reacting to the news, Strictly pro Carlos Gu enthused: “It’s an absolutely terrific news @emmawillisofficial @josh_widdicombe welcome to the fam, @johannesradebe sista you look fab! X.” Meanwhile, Dianne Buswell added: “This is so exciting, particularly excited for our fellow pro @johannesradebe babe you are a true star and this role is made for you, we love you.”
“Emma, Johannes and Josh’s chemistry is undeniable. There’s been so much speculation and hype, so I’m relieved we can share the news with the public at last! I’d like to thank all the brilliant people we saw before making this tough decision.“But the most beloved ballroom in the UK always leads the way, and in a Strictly first we have chosen three outstanding hosts to take up the mantel.
Along with our amazing Strictly team, who are busy planning fabulous and unforgettable treats for this new series, I know this terrific trio can’t wait to join our judges and pros to bring us must-see TV on the BBC this autumn.”
Emma Willis’ career
Emma, who began modelling at 17 and began her presenting career on MTV in 2002, is best known for hosting the reality show Big Brother and its spin-off Celebrity Big Brother.
She’s presented various reality programmes, including The Voice UK, The Circle, and, more recently, co-hosted Netflix’s dating reality show, Love Is Blind: UK, alongside her husband, musician Matt Willis.
© WireImageAlongside her reality TV credits, Emma has hosted This Morning, Comic Relief Red Nose Day and was a contestant on The Great Celebrity Bake Off for SU2C on Channel 4. She also fronted the documentary series, Emma Willis: Delivering Babies, which saw the presenter train and qualify as a Maternity Care Assistant on a busy maternity ward.
As for her radio career, Emma co-presented Sunday Mornings on Heart Radio for six years alongside Stephen Mulhern.
Emma, who grew up in the West Midlands, lives in the Hertfordshire countryside with her husband, Busted singer and bassist Matt, and their three children: Isabelle (born June 2009), Ace (born November 2011), and their youngest, Trixie (born May 2016).
© Getty ImagesJosh Widdicombe’s career
Josh is best known for his career as a stand-up comedian, as well as for his appearances on The Last Leg, Mock the Week and his BBC Three comedy Josh. He also co-hosts the comedy and parenting podcast, Parenting Hell, with fellow comedian Rob Beckett.
© Getty Images for EmiratesAway from the cameras, he’s married to television producer Rose Hanson, with whom he has a daughter, Pearl, born in October 2017, and a son, Cassius, born in May 2021.
Tess and Claudia’s departure
In October last year, Tess and Claudia announced that they would be stepping down as hosts of the show.
In a joint post shared to both of their Instagram accounts, Claudia said: “There have been some rumblings and we want you to hear this from us.”
Tess continued: “After 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided that the time is right to step aside and pass over the baton.”
“We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time,” the pair jointly wrote in a statement.
© BBC/Guy Levy“We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show.”
Claudia and Tess hosted the show together for 11 years, with Tess having fronted the series since its inception in 2004 alongside Sir Bruce Forsyth, while Claudia joined the programme as Bruce’s replacement in 2014. The Traitors host had previously presented Strictly’s spin-off show, It Takes Two, from 2004 to 2010.
© BBC Studios/Guy LevyTess and Claudia’s final show
The 2025 Christmas special marked the final time Tess and Claudia hosted the show.
At the end of the episode, which saw former Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt lift the festive Glitterball trophy, Tess and Claudia delivered their iconic sign-off for the last time.
“Thank you again for watching us over the years, it has meant a world to us,” Claudia told viewers. “There’s just one thing left to do. Come on, Tess.”
© CREDIT LINE:BBC/Guy LevyGrabbing her co-host, Tess began slowly dancing with Claudia, saying: “For our very final time, Claud.”
“Let’s make it count,” added Claudia, before the pair delivered one last call of the show’s catchphrase: “Keep dancing!”
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