Tess Daly Back Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, Johannes Radebe—Strictly Hosts

When former *Strictly* host Tess Daly posted a snapshot of the season’s first episode on Instagram, she didn’t just share a photo—she shared a promise.

The new presenting team—Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe—has been given the green light to steer viewers through the 13‑week ballroom saga that has become a staple of British primetime.

With the familiar judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke still anchoring the scorecard, this season also introduces 15 fresh celebrity contestants and five new professional dancers, all set to compete for the glittering trophy. Daly’s Instagram caption—“Week one…

I guess it’s officially happening then. Dress on, game face ready and fully prepared for the glitter to take over…

Strictly, let’s be having you✨”—captured a mixture of excitement and nostalgia that has fans buzzing across the country.

## The Big Departure: Tess & Claudia After 21 Seasons

The exit of Tess Daly and co‑host Claudia Winkleman after two decades of television drama was a seismic shift for the show. Their partnership had become almost mythic; Tess’s “no‑fuss” charm blended perfectly with Claudia’s sparkling wit, turning the studio floor into a stage that balanced laughter with heartfelt moments.

The duo’s chemistry was so tight that viewers often described watching *Strictly* as “watching a love story between two presenters.” Their departure, announced at the end of the previous season, left many wondering whether the show could survive without its iconic duo.

The decision to replace Tess and Claudia with a trio reflects an intentional move toward a more dynamic, flexible hosting model.

Rather than a single charismatic figure, the new format introduces three distinct personalities who can rotate roles—on‑stage introductions, backstage confessions, or in‑studio commentary—depending on the mood of each episode.

This strategy is reminiscent of past experiments, such as the 2018 season that briefly added a second host during a live special. Fans initially greeted the idea with skepticism, but the momentum from Tess’s supportive post has helped shift the conversation toward curiosity rather than outright criticism.

## Meet the New Trio

### Emma Willis – Meets Grit Emma Willis brings decades of presenting experience, from *The One Show* to *Love Island*’s spin‑off panels. Known for her polished style and razor‑sharp wit, Willis is no stranger to high‑stakes television.

In 2025, she fronted the charity gala *Live for Love*, showcasing her ability to blend humour with empathy. Her glamorous look on the launch episode—she strutted in a plunging black dress, the kind of outfit that screams “I’m here to shine”—immediately set her apart from the previous hosts.

Fans praised her confidence and noted how her backstage interviews with contestants added a layer of authenticity to the show.

### Josh Widdicombe – The Comedic Touch Josh Widdicombe, the stand‑up comic who famously made his mark on *The Last Leg*, brings a fresh sense of levity to the studio. His reputation for quick‑fire jokes and self‑deprecating humour resonates with a younger audience that’s grown up watching *Strictly* in the digital age.

In an interview on set, Josh admitted, “It’s a little bit overwhelming to be here but we are so excited…”—a line that resonated across social media, where fans echoed his sentiment with memes and GIFs. Josh’s presence helps balance the emotional intensity that often permeates *Strictly*’s dramatic moments.

### Johannes Radebe – The Fresh Face Johannes Radebe, a professional dancer who rose through the ranks of *Dancing on Ice* and later *Strictly*, brings an inside‑out perspective as both performer and presenter.

Radebe’s experience on the dance floor gives him unique insight into the contestants’ journey, allowing him to comment on technical nuances with authority. His arrival also marks a significant milestone for representation; as a Black South African dancer, Radebe brings fresh cultural perspectives to the British television mainstream.

## The Launch Episode – A Glitzy Kickoff

The first episode, filmed a week earlier than the live broadcast, was an explosion of colour and choreography. The studio was decked out in glitter‑infused décor, with a backdrop that featured a massive “Glitterball” trophy.

The five new professional dancers—each bringing their own style and expertise—were introduced alongside the 15 celebrity contestants, ranging from actors to athletes to social media influencers.

The hosts’ debut was a mixture of rehearsed banter and spontaneous moments. Emma’s opening monologue set the tone with a playful jab at the “glitter overload,” while Josh’s quick quips kept the energy high. Johannes took the time to meet each contestant backstage, offering encouraging words that added depth to his role.

The trio’s chemistry was palpable; they seemed to complement each other rather than compete for attention—a crucial factor given the show’s history of strong individual hosts.

## Fan Reaction – From Skepticism to Support

Social media erupted almost immediately after the launch. On X (formerly Twitter), one fan wrote, “I love Emma, Jojo and Josh but it feels so odd without Tess and Claude, this is gonna take some getting used to.” While this sentiment highlighted initial resistance, another commenter replied with a more optimistic outlook: “Who cares?

They’re all great! Let’s see what they’ve got.” The backlash was tempered by a surge of positive tweets praising the new hosts’ charisma. Many fans appreciated Emma’s fashion statement—her plunging black dress became an instant meme, with hashtags such as #GlitterQueen trending for hours.

Instagram saw a wave of stories featuring fan art depicting the trio in various dance poses. Live poll stickers on Instagram Stories showed that 62% of respondents were “excited” or “neutral” about the new hosting format, while only 18% expressed outright disappointment.

This shift from initial skepticism to cautious optimism indicates a willingness among viewers to embrace change, especially when it comes with fresh faces and talent.

## Industry Impact – A New Era for Dance Reality

The arrival of a trio of hosts signals a broader trend in reality television: the movement toward collaborative hosting teams rather than single anchors. Shows like *The Masked Singer* and *Love Island* have already adopted multi‑host formats, and *Strictly*’s shift aligns with that paradigm.

The decision also reflects the increasing emphasis on diversity and inclusion within mainstream entertainment. Johannes Radebe’s presence adds cultural representation, while Emma Willis brings a female perspective that balances Josh’s comedic edge.

From a production standpoint, the new hosting model could streamline scheduling and allow for more flexible filming schedules.

It also opens opportunities for guest hosts, which could keep the format fresh over multiple seasons. *Strictly*’s partnership with streaming services—particularly its recent availability on BBC iPlayer for international audiences—means that the new hosts will become household names beyond the UK, potentially attracting a global fanbase.

## Behind the Scenes – Production Secrets

Producer James Hall (not to be confused with the former contestant) revealed that the studio’s glitter décor was chosen to “reinvent the visual identity” of the show. “We wanted something that feels like a ballroom and yet stands out in a saturated market,” Hall explained.

The decision to pair each new professional with an equally fresh celebrity was also strategic; it allows for unpredictable chemistry that can drive viewership. The judges’ panel remained unchanged, ensuring continuity in critique and scoring standards.

The new hosts underwent rigorous training—dance workshops, live commentary drills, and etiquette seminars—to ensure they could navigate the fast‑paced environment of live television. “It’s not just about delivering lines; it’s about reading the room,” one of the coaches noted.

These efforts demonstrate a commitment to quality that fans are beginning to reward.

## What’s Next – Predictions and Expectations

The season will run for 13 weeks, with each episode building on the previous ones through escalating dance styles—from basic waltzes to intricate Latin sequences.

The hosts will rotate their duties: Emma will handle the opening commentary, Josh will focus on backstage segments, and Johannes will offer technical insights during the “Dance Off” segments.

Fans are keen to see how the new duo of professionals and celebrities will evolve over time. Many are excited about potential storylines: a struggling actor’s journey from awkward first steps to confident performances, or an athlete’s transition from sports to dance.

The hosts’ ability to weave these narratives into the show will be a key determinant of its success.

## Conclusion – A Fresh Spin on a Classic

Tess Daly’s supportive Instagram post was more than a simple nod; it was an endorsement that helped transform initial doubts into intrigue. With Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe at the helm, *Strictly* is poised to redefine what a dance competition can be.

By blending tradition with innovation—retaining beloved judges while injecting new hosts who bring fresh perspectives—the show offers an exciting preview of what British television might look like in the coming years.

As viewers tune in each week, they will witness not only spectacular dancing but also the unfolding of a new chapter in *Strictly*’s storied history.

Whether this trio can sustain the legacy that Tess and Claudia cultivated remains to be seen, but their chemistry and enthusiasm have already made a strong case for a future filled with glitter, laughter, and, most importantly, dance.