New Strictly Trio Begins Hosting BBC Dance Show
New Strictly Trio Begins Hosting BBC Dance Show
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Key Points
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Johannes Radebe said the new season would feature “15 new celebrities, 15 new partnerships, and four people they’re going to be desperate to impress,” referring to the judges as the contestants’ targets.
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The first live Strictly show was scheduled for September 26, with the first results programme on October 4 and the live final on December 19.
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Ellie Taylor’s Radio 2 cover followed her own Strictly appearance in 2022, when she reached week 10 with Johannes Radebe; she was also due to begin hosting It Takes Two on September 28.
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Willis acknowledged the pressure of replacing the long-serving hosts, saying she was “ready for the comparisons” and for negative opinions, but argued that the new team was not “reinventing the wheel” and should focus on bringing viewers joy.
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Radio 2 head Helen Thomas endorsed Ellie Taylor’s temporary appointment, saying her “warmth and laughter” would strengthen the station’s Saturday lineup while Willis presented Strictly.
Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe have taken over as hosts of Strictly Come Dancing after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down. The trio launched the show with 15 celebrity contestants, live partner reveals, and five new professional dancers. The Independent reported that Winkleman endorsed the new presenting lineup, signaling a smooth transition for the BBC's flagship dance competition.
Widdicombe revealed he secured the role through a joke text to executive producer Sarah James, whom he met during the 2024 Christmas special. He said, "All right, I'll take the job." After initially thinking his audition went poorly, he was invited back for a chemistry test with Willis and Radebe — and the three clicked immediately.
New Hosting Trio Replaces Long-Serving Presenters
Willis, Radebe, and Widdicombe stepped into roles held for years by Daly and Winkleman. Yahoo News noted that Winkleman publicly supported the new era, helping ease concerns among longtime viewers. Willis acknowledged the pressure, telling Daily Mail she was "ready for the comparisons" and negative opinions but argued the team should focus on bringing viewers joy rather than trying to reinvent the show.
Celebrity Contestants and Professional Dancers Take Center Stage
The launch episode featured 15 new celebrity contestants paired with professional dancers. According to Johannes Radebe, the season would showcase "15 new celebrities, 15 new partnerships, and four people they're going to be desperate to impress" — referring to the judges as the contestants' targets. Five new professional dancers joined the roster to support the expanded cast.
York Press reported that fans expressed mixed reactions to the new hosts, with some needing time to adjust to the change. Many viewers praised the fresh energy while others remained nostalgic for the previous presenting team. The first live show aired September 26, with the final scheduled for December 19.
ITV Adjusts Schedule to Accommodate Willis's New Role
ITV moved The Voice UK earlier in the evening to allow viewers to watch Willis before Strictly began on BBC One. Willis is taking an autumn and winter break from her BBC Radio 2 Saturday show. Radio 2 head Helen Thomas endorsed Ellie Taylor's temporary appointment, saying her "warmth and laughter" would strengthen the station's Saturday lineup.
Ellie Taylor, who reached week 10 on Strictly in 2022 with Radebe, took over Willis's radio slot and began hosting the Strictly spin-off It Takes Two on September 28. Taylor's appointment brought familiarity to both roles, as she had direct experience with the franchise from her own dancing journey.
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