Strictly’s Claudia Replacement ‘Set To Quit’ Just Two Weeks In As Backlash Takes Its Toll
Strictly Come Dancing newcomer Johannes Radebe has sparked fresh debate over the show’s new presenting line-up after a body language expert suggested he may still be adjusting to life away from the dance floor.
The professional dancer became part of Strictly’s new three-person hosting team for 2026 alongside Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe, following the departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
But just two weeks into the new era, some viewers are already questioning whether Johannes should remain behind the microphone — or return to dancing.
Expert Claims Johannes Still Feels Part of the Dance Team
Speaking to Express.co.uk on behalf of Covers.com, body language expert Inbaal Honigman analysed Johannes’ behaviour during the live show.
She focused on a moment when he joked about missing his former role as one of the professional dancers.
“When the competition is just about to start, and Johannes makes a joke about missing being one of the dancers, there’s more to it than meets the eye,” she claimed.
According to Inbaal, Johannes pulled what she described as a sad expression, with his lips turned down and eyebrows lowered.
She suggested the expression could initially have been part of the joke.
However, the expert said that while Emma and Josh moved on with their presenting duties, Johannes appeared to keep looking back towards the dancers.
“The ‘bit’, the joke is over, but his devastated face remains,” she said.
“It’s as if he can’t wipe his sad expression away.”
Her interpretation was that the repeated glances could indicate regret or sadness.
However, body language analysis cannot establish someone’s true feelings, and Johannes himself has not publicly said that he regrets becoming a presenter.
‘He Still Sees Himself as Part of the Gang’
Inbaal went further by suggesting Johannes may still identify strongly with the professional dancers.
“Those backwards glances could signify regret as well as sadness,” she said.
She added that he may still see himself as “one of the dancers, and not a presenter”.
That remains the expert’s interpretation of his on-screen behaviour rather than a confirmed account from Johannes.
The dancer-turned-host has previously spoken positively about taking on the presenting role.
Viewers Call for Johannes to Return to Dancing
Johannes currently handles much of the upstairs presenting role previously associated with Claudia Winkleman, speaking to couples after they receive their judges’ scores.
But some viewers have questioned whether Strictly really needs three presenters.
One fan wrote: “There really is no need for three people presenting. For me Johannes needs to go back to dancing.”
Another suggested a different arrangement: “Put Emma downstairs, Josh upstairs and let Johannes go back to dancing.”
Not all viewers agreed.
A third fan pointed out that Johannes is still very new to presenting and deserves time to settle into the role.
“Of course I would love to see Johannes dancing!! But ppl are also forgetting that this is his 1st ever presenting job filling the unfillable shoes of Claudia GOAT Winkleman and will grow and learn over time.”
Strictly’s New Era Still Finding Its Feet
The 2026 series has already undergone one of the biggest presenting changes in the show’s history.
Emma, Josh and Johannes replaced Tess and Claudia, while Johannes also became the first professional dancer to move directly into a hosting role on Strictly.
The decision has inevitably placed the trio under intense scrutiny as viewers compare them with the long-established previous line-up.
For Johannes, the transition is particularly unusual because he remains closely associated with the dance floor and the professional cast.
That connection has now become part of the conversation around whether his future lies in presenting, dancing — or potentially both.
For now, there is no confirmation that the BBC plans any change to the presenting team.
But with viewers already discussing whether Johannes should return to his former role, the new Strictly line-up is likely to remain under the microscope as the series continues.
