Strictly Come Dancing officially CONFIRM new hosts replacing Tess and Claudia on BBC show
STRICTLY Come Dancing has officially confirmed the new hosts who will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
The BBC shared the news that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe will be the new hosts.
The Sun had already revealed the trio were in line for the top gig, starting with Emma, but the news was confirmed on Strictly’s official Instagram page, with the trio coming together.
The caption read: “It’s official….September 2026.”
In the video, Emma and Johannes kissing each other on the cheek as they sat on stools, before Josh was seen behind the camera and invited over to join them.
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 mantle.
“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.”
Johannes has been a pro dancer on Strictly since 2018, with The Sun first revealing he would be switching roles on the show last week.
Days later, we also confirmed that comedian and star of The Last Leg, Josh, would be joining as a third co-host in a first for the BBC show.
Speaking about her new role, Emma, 50, 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!”
Johannes 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”.
Josh, 43, said: “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.”
An insider exclusively told The Sun: “Although viewers got used to there being two hosts, there is, obviously a precedent for having a trio on Strictly too – after all Tess and Claudia both hosted alongside Bruce Forsyth.
“That was the magic they wanted to conjure up again.The reason they went for this combination was the amazing chemistry between the three of them, which was obvious when they did their tests together.
“This configuration stood head and shoulders above the rest, and they were told the good news two weeks ago.
“Though the image of them together is hot off the press, and their shoot only took place on Monday.
“They will all be equal hosts, though it’s yet to be determined exactly what kind of roles they will play.
“It won’t necessarily be a case of having someone fulfilling Tess’s role hosting on the dancefloor with another person fixed somewhere else.
“Exactly how they present the show has yet to be determined. But execs are delighted with the trio they’ve got and even more thrilled they said yes.”
Tess and Claudia announced midway through the 2025 series of Strictly that it would be their last, with their final show airing on Christmas Day.
Tess, 57, had hosted the show since it began in 2004, while Claudia joined her in 2014 after originally hosting spin off show, It Takes Two.
