BREAKING NEWS: Strictly Come Dancing star lifts lid on new presenters hours before launch show
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has given his verdict on the show’s new presenting trio ahead of the 2026 launch.
The BBC competition returns this weekend with 15 celebrities preparing to discover which professional dancers they have been paired with.
But the celebrity line-up is not the only major change viewers will notice.
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are stepping into new presenting roles following the departure of long-serving hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
Ahead of the pre-recorded launch show, Craig appeared on BBC Breakfast and made it clear he is impressed by the new team.
“Loving working with the new hosts, I think they’re absolutely great!” he said.
Craig Praises Emma Willis
Speaking to Charlie Stayt and Tina Daheley, Craig singled out Emma for particular praise.
“Emma Willis, absolutely brilliant,” he said.
“She’s fantastic in the way that she listens, reacts, and really goes for those fantastic interviews.”
Craig suggested that Emma’s experience as a presenter has already become clear during rehearsals and filming.
The judge also believes Josh will bring a very different energy to the show.
“Josh is almost like a very comedy sidekick, he’s hilarious,” Craig said.
He then joked that the comedian could be the person who finally gives him some of his own medicine.
“I know he’s going to be giving me what for, it’s about time someone answered me back.”
Johannes Brings Dance Expertise
Johannes Radebe will offer something entirely different as part of the presenting line-up.
Having spent years as one of Strictly’s professional dancers, he brings first-hand knowledge of the ballroom.
Craig said: “Of course, Jojo, who knows absolutely everything about dance, comes from that point of view.”
He explained that the three hosts share responsibilities evenly during the launch show.
“They work evenly on the floor,” he said. “They all get their centre stage moment, which is really good.”
Craig’s Advice to the New Hosts
During the interview, Tina pointed out that Claudia and Tess had left “big shoes to fill”.
Asked what advice he had given the incoming presenters, Craig kept it simple.
“The only advice I can really give to them is to be themselves,” he said.
“Be as natural as you can.”
Craig also revealed that the trio have already spent more than a month working together and have developed a strong dynamic.
“They already have great chemistry because they have been working together for over a month now,” he said.
“It’s going to be great for people to see how it all works.”
However, he refused to reveal too much about what viewers can expect from the revamped programme.
“I want to keep some of the new things a big surprise because that’s part and parcel of how we’re doing this year.”
Five New Professional Dancers Join Strictly
The presenting line-up is not the only significant change for 2026.
Five new professional dancers have also joined the programme following the departure of several familiar faces.
The newcomers are Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita.
Viewers will have to wait for the launch show to discover whether any of the new professionals have been paired with celebrity contestants.
Fifteen Celebrities Compete for the Glitterball
This year’s celebrity line-up features a mixture of actors, television personalities, athletes and other familiar faces.
Taking part are Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Zach Mercer, Will Best and Dame Sarah Storey.
They will be joined by Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Graeme “The Dogfather” Hall, Lawrence Robb, Tabby Stoecker, John Nellis and Melanie Walters.
One contestant particularly eager to return is Dani Dyer.
She had originally been due to compete the previous year but was forced to withdraw after suffering an injury before the opening live show.
Dani said she was thrilled to have another opportunity.
“I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September!” she said.
“I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on, and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!”
A New Era for Strictly
The launch of the 2026 series marks one of the biggest shake-ups in Strictly Come Dancing’s recent history.
With three new presenters, five new professional dancers and 15 celebrities preparing to take their first steps in the ballroom, viewers will be introduced to a significantly refreshed version of the BBC favourite.
Craig, however, appears confident that the new presenting team has already found its rhythm.
And with Emma, Josh and Johannes each bringing something different to the show, he believes the new-look Strictly could quickly win over viewers.
