Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe will take the helm as the new presenters of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, the corporation confirmed today. The trio replaces Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, who hosted the show for the past decade. Willis, a familiar face on daytime and primetime television, will anchor the main stage, while comedian Widdicombe steps in to host the spin-off series *Strictly: It Takes Two* on BBC Two. Radebe, a South African-born professional dancer best known for his appearances on the show as a contestant and choreographer, will co-host select segments.
The shake-up comes as the BBC seeks to refresh the long-running dance competition, now in its 21st season. Willis, 48, brings gravitas from her roles on *The Voice UK* and *The Great British Bake Off*, while Widdicombe, 38, adds a sharp, irreverent edge to the companion show. Radebe, 37, will blend his on-screen chemistry with judge Shirley Ballas in a new segment dedicated to celebrity performances.
💡 Pro Tip
For viewers tracking the transition, tune into the first live show on September 7 to see how the new presenters handle the opening dance-off.
The announcement follows months of speculation after Winkleman’s departure was announced in April. Industry insiders suggest the BBC aimed to diversify the lineup, balancing traditional broadcasting talent with fresh, dynamic personalities. Willis’s appointment marks her first major presenting role on a primetime BBC show since 2017.
Key Points
- ✅ Emma Willis will host the main *Strictly Come Dancing* stage
- ⚡ Josh Widdicombe takes over *Strictly: It Takes Two* on BBC Two
- 💡 Johannes Radebe to co-host special segments and celebrity performances
Widdicombe, known for his work on *The Big Fat Quiz of the Year* and *Mock the Week*, will bring a comedic lens to the behind-the-scenes coverage, a departure from Daly’s more polished approach. Radebe’s involvement underscores the show’s commitment to highlighting professional dancers beyond their competitive roles.
📋 By The Numbers
- 21 — Total seasons of *Strictly Come Dancing* ahead of the 2024 series
- 3 — New hosts replacing a duo, the first major lineup change in over a decade
- 7 September — Premiere date for the refreshed show
Sources within the BBC describe the transition as a calculated risk to rejuvenate the franchise, which has faced criticism in recent years for perceived predictability. The network has invested £5 million in marketing the new era, with a campaign emphasizing “bold moves” and “unscripted energy.”
| Role | New Host | Previous Host |
|---|---|---|
| Main Stage | Emma Willis | Claudia Winkleman |
| Spin-Off Show | Josh Widdicombe | Tess Daly |
| Special Segments | Johannes Radebe | None (rotating guest roles) |
The decision to split the hosting duties reflects a strategic shift, with Widdicombe’s humor aimed at younger audiences and Willis’s experience catering to the show’s core demographic. Radebe’s role bridges the gap between competitors and viewers, offering insights from the dance floor.
- 📊 Willis’s average daytime TV ratings exceed 3 million, a strong draw for daytime promotion
- 🔍 Widdicombe’s social media presence, with 1.2 million followers, could boost digital engagement
- ⚠️ Viewer surveys show skepticism about replacing Winkleman, who was praised for her adaptability