SHOCK: Emma Willis’ Radio 2 show replacement confirmed as Strictly Come Dancing co-star
Emma Willis has temporarily stepped away from her BBC Radio 2 Saturday show as she prepares to begin a major new chapter on Strictly Come Dancing.
The presenter hosted her final Saturday lunchtime programme of 2026 on September 19, with comedian Ellie Taylor set to take over the 1pm to 3pm slot throughout the autumn and winter.
Ellie will begin covering Emma’s Radio 2 programme on Saturday, September 26, as Emma focuses on her new role alongside Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe on the BBC ballroom show.
Speaking about taking over the programme, Ellie joked that she was delighted to look after the slot while Emma “waltzes off to Strictly”.
“I cannot wait to be back at Radio 2 and am thrilled to be looking after Emma’s Saturday show while she waltzes off to Strictly,” she said.
“I always have so much fun with the Radio 2 listeners, who can expect plenty of great tunes, guests and surprises from me, but most importantly a lot of fun.”
Emma Willis Makes Strictly Move
Emma’s temporary departure from Radio 2 comes as Strictly Come Dancing enters a significantly different era.
She will present the programme alongside comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe following the departures of long-serving hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Emma, Josh and Johannes make their presenting debut as the new series gets underway, introducing the latest group of celebrities and professional dancers.
The shake-up represents one of the biggest changes to the programme’s presenting line-up in years.
On Emma’s final Radio 2 Saturday programme before making the move, she was joined by Strictly judge Anton Du Beke as they looked ahead to the launch show.
Ellie Taylor Takes Over Radio 2 Slot
Radio 2 boss Helen Thomas welcomed Ellie’s temporary appointment and said listeners could expect her trademark humour throughout the coming months.
“I’m so pleased Ellie will be joining us throughout the autumn and winter – it is always such a joy to hear her on Radio 2,” she said.
Thomas added that Ellie’s “warmth and laughter” would fit perfectly into the station’s Saturday schedule while Emma moved across to the Strictly ballroom.
For Ellie, however, Radio 2 will not be her only new responsibility.
Ellie Lands Another Major Strictly Job
The comedian is also becoming part of the Strictly Come Dancing presenting team herself.
From Monday, September 28, Ellie will take over Strictly: It Takes Two, the BBC spin-off that follows the main competition throughout the week.
She succeeds previous presenters Janette Manrara and Fleur East and will provide viewers with interviews, backstage access and reaction from the ballroom.
Ellie is already very familiar with the world of Strictly after competing as a celebrity contestant in 2022.
Speaking about returning in a completely different role, she said: “What a total joy to return to Strictly in this new role.”
She described herself as “incredibly honoured” to follow the presenters who helped make It Takes Two such a popular part of the franchise.
“I can’t wait to immerse myself in all the gossip and sequins flying out of the ballroom in order to bring my fellow Strictly fans everything they need to know,” Ellie said.
She then joked: “I’m so excited, I could cha cha! But I won’t – don’t worry… no one needs to see that again.”
Major Changes Across Strictly
Emma’s switch from Radio 2 comes amid a wider transformation of the BBC dance competition.
Tess and Claudia announced last year that they were leaving the show, opening the door for Emma, Josh and Johannes to take over.
Johannes brings years of experience as one of the programme’s professional dancers, while Josh adds a comedy background and Emma arrives with extensive presenting experience.
Their arrival means audiences will see a very different presenting dynamic as the new series begins.
A Busy Autumn for Both Presenters
Emma’s Radio 2 departure is only temporary, with Ellie specifically announced as the presenter looking after her show during the autumn and winter.
Meanwhile, Ellie will be juggling the Saturday radio programme with her new responsibilities on It Takes Two.
It means both women are becoming increasingly involved in the BBC’s Strictly schedule.
For Emma, Saturday afternoons are about to feel very different as attention shifts from the Radio 2 studio to one of British television’s biggest entertainment programmes.
And while listeners will temporarily hear a different voice in her usual radio slot, Ellie has promised plenty of music, guests and fun while Emma begins her new life in the ballroom.
