New Presenters Announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe have been confirmed as the new hosts of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. They will take over presenting duties starting with the show's 24th series, which returns this autumn.
“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!” said Kate Phillips, BBC’s Chief Content Officer.
“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.”
Departure of Previous Hosts
The announcement follows the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who had jointly hosted the show since 2014. Their exit appeared to take the BBC by surprise, as the pair posted a joint message on Instagram just hours before the broadcaster released an official statement. Both Daly and Winkleman were awarded MBEs in June 2025 for their services to broadcasting.
Context and Controversies Surrounding the Change
The change in the presenting lineup comes after several years of controversy surrounding Strictly Come Dancing. In August 2025, prior to the most recent series, reports emerged that the BBC had been involved in issues related to the show's voting process.
The first contestant eliminated in the 2025 series, Thomas Skinner, publicly stated on social media that he received an anonymous email allegedly from a BBC executive containing statistics that suggested he had garnered more votes than officially indicated. The BBC has denied these claims. In December 2025, it was widely reported that Skinner intended to pursue legal action against the broadcaster; however, the BBC stated it was not aware of any formal legal complaint at that time.
Final Show and Subsequent Projects
The 2025 Christmas Day special of Strictly Come Dancing marked the final appearance of Winkleman and Daly as hosts. Following their departure, Claudia Winkleman began hosting a new chat show titled The Claudia Winkleman Show. Produced by the same company responsible for The Graham Norton Show, this program features celebrity interviews conducted before a live studio audience.
