Who Are the New Strictly Come Dancing Hosts for 2026?
The BBC has confirmed Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe as the new Strictly Come Dancing presenting trio for 2026. I cover the line up and what to expect.
Quick Answer
The new Strictly Come Dancing hosts for the 2026 series are Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe. The BBC confirmed the historic three person line up in May 2026, ahead of a September 2026 launch.
They replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who jointly announced their departure in October 2025 after more than a decade together.
This is the first time Strictly has used a presenting trio instead of a double act, with duties split across the live shows.
A New Era for BBC Strictly
Saturday nights in the UK have been defined by sequins, salsa, and familiar faces for two decades. The autumn 2026 series brings the biggest shake up in the show's history.
After months of speculation, screen tests, and tabloid rumours, the BBC unveiled the new presenting trio for 2026 in an Instagram video set to "Three Is The Magic Number". The official launch will be in September 2026.
The Departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman
In October 2025 Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman jointly announced they were leaving, saying it "felt like the right time" to bow out.
Tess had hosted the ballroom since the show's launch in 2004, originally alongside Sir Bruce Forsyth. Claudia graduated from It Takes Two to the main show in 2014, creating one of British TV's most loved female presenting duos. Replacing them was always going to be a mammoth job.
Meet the New Strictly Trio
| Host | Background | Role on the show |
|---|---|---|
| Emma Willis | Big Brother, The Voice UK | Lead live anchor |
| Josh Widdicombe | Comedian, The Last Leg, parenting podcast | Backstage comedy and reactions |
| Johannes Radebe | Strictly professional dancer since 2018 | Dance expert and co host |
BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips said the trio's chemistry was "undeniable" in closed door auditions. Splitting the demanding live broadcast duties across three presenters lets the show keep pace without overloading anyone.
Emma Willis
Emma is one of the safest pairs of hands in UK live TV. She has fronted Big Brother and The Voice UK and brings the prime time polish, autocue skills, and warmth the show needs. She said it was "impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind" but that she has cheered from her sofa for years.
Josh Widdicombe
The most surprising name is comedian Josh Widdicombe, best known for The Last Leg and his hit parenting podcast. He brings the rapid fire wit needed in the upstairs Clauditorium area, where celebrities head after the judges' critiques.
Johannes Radebe
Promoting Johannes Radebe from the dance floor to the microphone is the move fans applauded loudest. Since joining as a professional dancer, Johannes has won the country over with his choreography, joy, and groundbreaking same sex partnerships. He brings genuine dance authority to the presenting team.
Why Three Hosts Instead of Two?
Modern Strictly is a huge live operation. Managing the judges, comforting breathless celebrities, reading autocue, and running the upstairs space across a two hour show is exhausting for two people.
Three presenters lets the BBC divide those duties and lean into each host's strengths. Emma anchors, Josh provides the comedy, Johannes handles the dance side.
What to Expect This Autumn
The celebrity line up is still under wraps. The dynamic between Willis, Widdicombe, and Radebe is the biggest unknown, but on paper it covers prime time polish, comedy, and dance authority in a way no two person team really could.
The show launches in September 2026 in its usual Saturday night slot. Expect a heavily promoted launch, the traditional pro group number, and the reveal of the new celebrity contestants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the new Strictly Come Dancing hosts for 2026?
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe.
Why did Tess and Claudia leave Strictly?
They jointly announced in October 2025 that, after more than a decade together, it felt like the right time to step down.
When does the new series start?
September 2026.
Will Johannes Radebe still dance on the show?
He may take part in special group numbers, but his primary role has shifted from competing professional dancer to presenter.
The Bottom Line
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 brings the biggest presenting change in its 20 plus year history. Emma Willis offers polish, Josh Widdicombe brings the comedy, and Johannes Radebe is the heart of the ballroom. If the chemistry on screen matches what BBC bosses saw in the auditions, the most beloved show on UK Saturday night television is in very safe hands for the next chapter.