UMVA can exclusively reveal that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe have been announced as the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing, marking a fresh era for the beloved BBC show.
The trio's appointment brings a burst of excitement and a dash of unpredictability to the program, with their undeniable chemistry and diverse skill set making them an attractive choice for the BBC. Emma Willis, a seasoned presenter of shows like Big Brother and Love is Blind UK, expressed her delight at joining the Strictly family, saying she's a "huge fan" of the show.
Josh Widdicombe, who previously danced on the show dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas special, joked that he'll "dust off the penguin costume" as he takes on his new role. Johannes Radebe, who has been a professional dancer on the show since 2018, will be transitioning to a hosting role, bringing his wealth of knowledge and experience to the front of the house.
The new hosts' reactions to the announcement have been pouring in, with Rylan Clark, who was also rumored to be in contention for the role, offering his congratulations on social media. "Just wanted to say as if I was in 'The Race' for strictly, the biggest congrats to my Emma and equal congrats to Johannes and Josh," he wrote.
Other industry names, including Zoe Ball and Alison Hammond, have also expressed their enthusiasm for the new lineup, with Ball writing "CREW. Congrats, Emma, Jojo and Josh. You're gonna ROCK IT." The BBC's chief content officer, Kate Phillips, praised the trio for their "undeniable" chemistry, saying it's a "Strictly first" to have three hosts take on the role.
As the show prepares for its 24th season this autumn, fans are eagerly anticipating the new dynamic and the fresh energy that Emma, Josh, and Johannes will bring to the Strictly ballroom. While some fans have expressed sadness at the departure of former hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, many are excited to see what the new hosts have in store.
The speculation surrounding the new hosts had reached a fever pitch in recent weeks, with several big names rumored to be in contention for the role. Ultimately, the BBC's decision to go with a trio of hosts has paid off, with their chemistry and passion for the show shining through.
As Strictly Come Dancing continues to evolve, one thing is certain – with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe at the helm, the show is in for a thrilling new chapter. The anticipation is building, and fans can't wait to see what the new season has in store.
