Emma Willis is temporarily handing over her BBC Radio 2 weekend show as she prepares for a major new chapter on Strictly Come Dancing.
The television presenter will step away from her Saturday lunchtime radio programme while she takes on her new role as one of the hosts of the BBC’s flagship dancing competition.
Comedian and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ellie Taylor has now been announced as the presenter covering Emma’s Radio 2 slot during the autumn and winter months.
The change comes at an exciting time for Willis, who is preparing to make her debut alongside Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe as the new presenting team for Strictly.
Ellie Taylor Takes Over Emma Willis’ Radio 2 Slot
Ellie Taylor will host Emma Willis’ Saturday lunchtime programme on BBC Radio 2, beginning on September 26.
The date is particularly significant because it coincides with the first live show of the new Strictly series.
Taylor is no stranger to the BBC dance show. The comedian competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, reaching the eighth elimination stage before leaving the competition.
She was partnered with Johannes Radebe during her time as a contestant, meaning the pair now have an unexpected connection as they prepare to work in front of the cameras together again.
Taylor has also previously presented on Radio 2, including work on the station’s drivetime programming. She said she was delighted to return and promised listeners plenty of music, guests and entertainment while Willis heads to the Strictly ballroom. ([The Standard][1])
Emma Willis’ Strictly Come Dancing Debut
Emma Willis is entering a completely different chapter of her broadcasting career.
She will make her Strictly Come Dancing presenting debut alongside comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe.
The trio are taking over from much-loved former hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced their departures from the main programme in 2025.
Their exit marked the end of a long-running presenting partnership and paved the way for a new Strictly era in 2026.
The BBC confirmed in May that Willis, Radebe and Widdicombe would become the show’s new three-person presenting team. ([Rayo][2])
Johannes Radebe Returns in a New Role
Johannes Radebe will have a particularly interesting transition this year.
After becoming a familiar face as a professional dancer on Strictly, he is now moving into the presenting team.
The South African star has been part of the Strictly family since 2018 and has built a large following through his performances and personality.
His new role also means he will reunite professionally with Ellie Taylor, who danced with him during her 2022 appearance on the show.
Recent coverage has highlighted Radebe’s excitement and nerves ahead of his presenting debut as the revamped Strictly returns. ([The Independent][3])
What Happens to It Takes Two?
There has also been a major change involving Strictly: It Takes Two.
Ellie Taylor will take over the BBC Two spin-off programme from Fleur East and Janette Manrara.
Manrara confirmed her departure earlier this year, while East has also moved on from the companion show after previously presenting it.
Taylor is scheduled to make her It Takes Two debut on September 28, shortly after the first live Strictly show.
The changes mean viewers will see several new faces across the Strictly presenting line-up this autumn. ([The Standard][1])
Fleur East’s Strictly Hosting Hopes
Fleur East had previously been linked with the main Strictly presenting job following Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s departures.
The radio presenter later spoke publicly about the speculation, acknowledging that she had initially been mentioned among the possible candidates.
Despite the rumours, the BBC ultimately selected Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe for the main show. ([Rayo][4])
East’s departure from It Takes Two adds another layer to the wider Strictly presenting shake-up.
A New Era for Strictly Come Dancing
The 2026 series represents one of the biggest presenter changes in Strictly Come Dancing history.
For the first time, the main programme will feature three presenters, with Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe stepping into the roles previously occupied by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Meanwhile, Ellie Taylor will bring her own comedy style to It Takes Two while temporarily filling in for Willis on Radio 2.
With familiar faces moving into new roles and several new presenters joining the BBC dance franchise, Strictly fans have plenty to look forward to when the new series gets underway.
For Emma Willis, however, the challenge will be especially personal: balancing her established radio career with the huge spotlight that comes with becoming one of the new faces of Strictly Come Dancing. ([The Standard][1])
Breaking-news version
Emma Willis is stepping away from her BBC Radio 2 Saturday show as she prepares to make her Strictly Come Dancing presenting debut.
Former Strictly contestant Ellie Taylor will take over Willis’ lunchtime Radio 2 programme from September 26.
The move comes as Willis joins Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe as the BBC dance show’s new presenting trio, replacing former hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Taylor will also become the new presenter of Strictly: It Takes Two, taking over from Fleur East and Janette Manrara.
Adding an extra twist, Taylor previously competed on Strictly in 2022 with Johannes Radebe as her professional partner.
A major new era is officially beginning for Strictly. 🪩✨
This can also be made more celebrity-gossip focused, with a punchier headline, more “Strictly shake-up” language and a stronger Google Discover/social-media angle.
The source of this news is The Standard.