BREAKING NEWS: Strictly 2026’s new presenter speaks out over the backlash after replacing Tess and Claudia.
Strictly Come Dancing is preparing for one of its biggest shake-ups in years as Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe take over presenting duties for the 2026 series.
The trio are replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, whose departures were announced last year after long spells at the heart of the BBC One competition.
Tess, 57, had presented Strictly since its launch in 2004, while Claudia, 54, became part of the main presenting team in 2010.
After months of speculation over who would replace them, the BBC eventually confirmed Emma, Josh and Johannes as the programme’s new presenting line-up.
The appointments represent a major change for viewers, particularly with Johannes moving from professional dancer to host after eight years as part of the Strictly family.
Emma, meanwhile, will balance her new role with presenting The Voice UK, which is pre-recorded, while Strictly airs live.
Josh Refuses to Focus on Criticism
Speaking to Radio Times, the new presenters admitted they know not everyone will immediately embrace such a major change.
Josh, 43, said criticism is inevitable whenever something as established as Strictly changes.
“You can’t please everyone and everyone has an opinion about Strictly,” he said.
“Some people won’t be happy that it’s us presenting, but there’s nothing you can do about it. I’m not here for negativity.”
The comedian said he had no intention of seeking out hostile reactions online.
“What can you do? It’s a joyful show. I never read that kind of stuff before and I’m not going to start now.”
Despite trying to avoid much of the public commentary, Josh admitted the response he had experienced personally had been surprisingly positive.
“People have been congratulating me in the street!” he revealed.
Emma joked that Johannes receives even more attention whenever they are out together.
“Try walking around with Jojo,” she said. “We get stopped at every pace. It’s like walking around with Brad Pitt!”
BBC Boss Says Trio’s ‘Magic Was Undeniable’
Strictly Come Dancing executive producer Sarah James has strongly backed the appointments, describing the combination of presenters as unexpected but immediately convincing.
“We are absolutely thrilled to finally share this wonderful news,” she said.
“The combination of Emma, Josh, and Jojo was unexpected, but their magic was undeniable the moment they came together.”
James praised Emma’s experience and warmth, saying she would be able to support the celebrity contestants as they navigate the pressures of the ballroom.
Josh, meanwhile, was selected partly because of his humour and ability to bring something different to the programme.
James joked that his appearance on the Strictly Christmas Special had already given him confidence in his dancing credentials after receiving a ten from judge Anton Du Beke.
Johannes brings a different kind of experience to the presenting team.
Having spent eight years as a professional dancer on the show, he understands the competition from inside the ballroom and has firsthand experience of the nerves, rehearsals and pressure faced by contestants.
James also joked that viewers could expect Johannes’ famously bold wardrobe to remain part of the programme.
New Era Begins for Strictly
The BBC producer said the most important quality shared by all three presenters is their enthusiasm for Strictly.
“What truly shines through is the love and passion all three share for this show,” she said.
“That’s the key ingredient and we hope our audience will love them as much as we do.”
The presenting overhaul means viewers will be watching a noticeably different version of Strictly when the 2026 series begins.
Replacing Tess and Claudia after such long tenures was always likely to spark debate, but the new hosts appear determined not to be distracted by comparisons with their predecessors.
For Josh, the approach is straightforward: ignore the negativity and concentrate on the joy of the programme.
And with Emma’s presenting experience, Josh’s humour and Johannes’ ballroom knowledge, the BBC is clearly hoping the unlikely combination will give Strictly a fresh identity while preserving the warmth and entertainment viewers expect.
