Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe to host Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing has finally revealed its presenting trio for 2026, replacing Tess and Claudia!

Ever since Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced that they'd be stepping down from Strictly Come Dancing, speculation has been rife as to who would take over, with the likes of Zoe Ball and Fleur East recently revealing that they had auditioned but not been successful.

Today, the BBC has finally confirmed that Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe will form the show's first-ever presenting trio!

They will preside over the Strictly Ballroom in spectacular style this autumn, ushering in an exciting new era for the BBC’s glittering hit entertainment show.

On hosting strictly Come Dancing, Emma Willis said "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. 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. 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!"

To which Johannes Radebe added "To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined. This show has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward. 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. Love Jojo."

And Josh Widdicombe sayid "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. I adore Emma and Jojo and can’t wait to spend my weekends with them. I’ll dust off the penguin costume."

On the new trio of hosts, Kate Phillips. BBC’s Chief Content Officer said |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."

To which Strictly Come Dancing's Executive Producer for BBC Studios, Sarah James, added "We are absolutely thrilled to finally share this wonderful news. The combination of Emma, Josh, and Jojo was unexpected, but their magic was undeniable the moment they came together."

"Emma brings a wealth of presenting experience and a natural warmth — she truly belongs in the ballroom and will guide our new celebrity cast through their Strictly journeys with love and care. Josh had us all in stitches with his unique style of self-deprecating humour and razor-sharp wit — and let’s not forget, he got a ten from Anton in the Christmas Special, so I think he already considers himself a pro dancer… And then there’s Jojo - a one-of-a-kind talent who’s been a beloved part of the Strictly family for eight years and will bring all his experience and knowledge to this new role - plus of course his legendary wardrobe!"

"Most importantly, what truly shines through is the love and passion all three share for this show. That’s the key ingredient and we hope our audience will love them as much as we do."

And Suzy Lamb, MD for Entertainment at BBC Studios said "Strictly has always been about bringing people together through joy, warmth and world-class entertainment, and Emma, Johannes and Josh perfectly embody that spirit. Individually, each of them brings something audiences already love – personality, insight and wit. But when you put those qualities together, the result is a kind of chemistry that feels fresh, dynamic, and impossible to ignore – and we can’t wait for viewers to see them light up the ballroom."

Made by BBC Studios Entertainment, Strictly Come Dancing is executive produced by Sarah James, with Nicola Fitzgerald and Jack Gledhill as Series Editors.

Strictly Come Dancing returns this autumn on BBC One