Like the rest of the UK, we collectively mourned the departure of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly as the iconic hosting duo of Strictly Come Dancing. Winkleman — now firmly in her Traitors era — and Daly announced they would be stepping down after 21 years in a joint Instagram statement.
For the uninitiated, Strictly Come Dancing is the BBC’s glitter-drenched celebrity dance competition where famous faces are paired with professional dancers and judged each week on their routines.
But the wait is over as the BBC has confirmed the new hosts for Strictly Come Dancing 2026. And in a shocking turn of events, we won't have another duo… We'll have a trio!
Who are the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing?
Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed its new hosting trio for the 2026 series: Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.
The announcement was made via an Instagram post on the official Strictly account, showing the trio posing together in front of a purple colourama backdrop.
According to BBC reports, Willis will take over from Tess, guiding contestants through their performances and judges’ feedback. Widdicombe will step into a new “Claudiatorium” role, speaking to contestants after they leave the dancefloor, in a position reminiscent of Claudia Winkleman’s. Radebe will take on duties as a roving reporter, bringing behind-the-scenes coverage from across the series.
“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!” said Kate Phillips, BBC’s Chief Content Officer.
“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 mantle.”
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Willis, who previously fronted Channel 5’s Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother, and most recently hosted Love Is Blind: UK alongside her husband Matt Willis, is said to have impressed during the show’s chemistry tests.
Speaking about the new hosting role, Willis said she was a “huge fan” and added: “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’re able to help steer the ship as beautifully as they have into this new chapter. I can’t wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and the judges. Fingers crossed for a 10 from them!”
Josh Widdicombe is an English comedian, presenter and actor. He is known for his appearances on The Last Leg, Fighting Talk, Insert Name Here, Mock the Week, and his BBC Three sitcom Josh. Widdicombe won the first series of Taskmaster in 2015, as well as the show’s first Champion of Champions special in 2017.
Widdicombe competed in the 2024 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, and said he was “giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television.”
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Rounding off the trio is Johannes Radebe, a South African-born British dancer, choreographer and presenter. He is best known as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing and also took part in Celebrity MasterChef in 2021.
Radebe said: “To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined.”
Now to wait to see our three new Strictly hosts in action. Strictly Come Dancing returns to iPlayer and BBC One in autumn 2026 with exact air dates still to be confirmed.
