UMVA has learned that Emma Willis, the former host of Big Brother, is set to join Strictly Come Dancing as one of its new presenters for 2026, alongside Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe.
The new lineup was announced in May, following the departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the end of 2025's series. The celebrity lineup for Strictly 2026 is slowly taking shape, with Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, and Delta already confirmed to participate.
As the Strictly family prepares to dust off their dancing shoes, we take a look back at the times Emma Willis proved herself to be a champion ally to the LGBTQ+ community. During her time hosting Big Brother on Channel 5, Willis was known for her no-holds-barred approach, often grilling housemates on their behavior in the house.
One notable instance was in 2016, during Celebrity Big Brother, when contestant Winston McKenzie's past comments about gay parents adopting children were brought to light. McKenzie had previously stated that it was "abuse" and a "violation of a child's human rights" for a child to be adopted by two men. Willis did not hesitate to challenge him on his views, saying it was "sad people still think that it's OK" to hold such opinions.
Willis's passion for defending the LGBTQ+ community is evident in her actions. In 2024, she presented Rylan Clark with the LGBT+ Celebrity award at the British LGBT Awards, showcasing her commitment to celebrating and supporting the community.
Willis's dedication to promoting acceptance and inclusivity extends beyond her professional life. As a mother, she has been praised for encouraging her children to express themselves freely, without conforming to traditional gender norms. In 2021, she shared a photo of her son Ace wearing a pink crop top and long hair, and defended his right to dress as he pleases.
By speaking out against stereotyping and promoting self-expression, Willis has become a role model for many. Her actions demonstrate that she is a true ally to the LGBTQ+ community, and her new role on Strictly Come Dancing is set to inspire even more people with her warmth and charisma.
