Emma Willis has officially opened a new chapter of Strictly Come Dancing alongside Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe, as the BBC dance show welcomes its biggest presenting change in years.
The trio made their debut as the new Strictly Come Dancing hosts when the 2026 series launched on BBC One, taking over from much-loved former presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
For Emma Willis, the first show marked a major career moment. The presenter described hosting Strictly as a “genuine honour” as she stepped into one of British television’s most recognisable entertainment roles.
Emma Willis Leads a New Strictly Era
Emma Willis is no stranger to live television, having built a long broadcasting career across major entertainment programmes.
However, joining Strictly Come Dancing represents a different kind of challenge. The BBC series has become a major part of the British television calendar, combining celebrity contestants, professional dancers, live performances and the much-anticipated Glitterball Trophy.
Willis is now sharing the presenting duties with comedian Josh Widdicombe and former Strictly professional dancer Johannes Radebe.
The new three-person format replaces the long-running presenting partnership of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who left the programme after the 2025 series.
Johannes Radebe Makes a Dramatic Career Switch
Johannes Radebe’s move from the dance floor to the main presenting team is one of the most noticeable changes this year.
The South African-born star joined Strictly’s professional line-up in 2018 and quickly became a familiar face to BBC viewers.
After years of performing as a professional dancer, Radebe is now helping guide viewers through the competition from the other side of the ballroom.
His new role gives the 2026 series a direct link to Strictly’s professional-dance heritage while introducing him to a completely different side of the programme.
Radebe has also spoken about his difficult journey before finding success, including periods when he struggled financially and had to sleep in a dance studio.
Josh Widdicombe Joins the Presenting Team
Comedian and television personality Josh Widdicombe completes the new Strictly presenting trio.
Known for his comedy and panel-show appearances, Widdicombe brings a different style to the ballroom compared with the show’s previous presenting line-up.
His appointment adds a strong comedy element to the BBC programme, while Willis provides extensive entertainment-presenting experience and Radebe brings his knowledge of professional dance.
The three hosts therefore come from distinctly different broadcasting backgrounds.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s Strictly Exit
The new line-up follows the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who had become closely associated with Strictly Come Dancing.
Their exit after the 2025 series brought the end of a significant chapter for the BBC show.
The 2026 launch therefore carried extra attention as viewers saw how the new presenters would handle the familiar format.
Rather than simply recreating the previous arrangement, the BBC has introduced a three-presenter format, giving Willis, Radebe and Widdicombe shared responsibilities throughout the show.
Dame Sarah Storey Joins the 2026 Celebrity Line-Up
The presenter shake-up is not the only major change this year.
The new series features 15 celebrities, including Paralympic cycling champion Dame Sarah Storey, who is taking on an entirely different challenge by entering the Strictly ballroom.
Storey has already spoken about feeling nervous ahead of taking part in the BBC competition.
Her appearance adds another sporting name to a series that continues to bring together celebrities from entertainment, sport, television and social media.
Strictly 2026 Brings More Changes
The latest series has introduced several changes beyond the new presenters.
Five new professional dancers have joined the cast, while the celebrity-professional pairings were revealed through a revamped launch format.
The judging panel, meanwhile, remains familiar to viewers, helping retain some continuity while the presenting team changes.
The 2026 cast includes recognisable names such as Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Lacey Turner, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Sarah Storey, among others.
Emma Willis Has Another TV Connection
Emma Willis’ Strictly debut also comes during a period when she remains associated with another major television franchise.
She is continuing to appear as host of The Voice UK, creating an unusual situation for Saturday-night television viewers.
The apparent scheduling clash is explained by the fact that The Voice UK episodes currently being broadcast were recorded previously, while Strictly Come Dancing is entering its new 2026 run.
A Fresh Chapter for Strictly Come Dancing
The arrival of Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe represents a significant transition for one of Britain’s longest-running entertainment programmes.
The new hosts are taking over a format with decades of history, while the BBC has also refreshed the professional line-up and introduced a new group of celebrity contestants.
For Willis, the opening night was about more than simply presenting another television programme. It marked her first step into a role previously occupied by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
With the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 competition now underway, viewers will see how the new presenting trio develops as the celebrities begin their journey towards the Glitterball Trophy.
The source of this news is The Standard.