HEARTBREAKING: Emma Willis’ Radio 2 Replacement Breaks Silence As Presenter Steps Away From BBC Show
Emma Willis’ temporary BBC Radio 2 replacement has spoken out after the presenter stepped away from her Saturday lunchtime show to focus on Strictly Come Dancing.
The BBC has confirmed that comedian Ellie Taylor will take over Emma’s 1pm to 3pm slot throughout the autumn and winter, with her first programme airing on Saturday, September 26.
Emma presented her final Saturday lunchtime show of 2026 on September 19, before turning her attention to her new role on Strictly alongside Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.
Speaking about keeping Emma’s Radio 2 seat warm, Ellie admitted she was delighted to be returning to the station.
“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.”
Ellie Taylor Takes Over Emma’s Saturday Slot
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, also welcomed Ellie’s arrival and said her personality would be a strong addition to the weekend schedule.
“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.
“Her warmth and laughter will be a great addition to our superstar Saturday line up, whilst Emma sashays over to the Strictly ballroom.”
Emma marked her final show before the break with a suitably Strictly-themed guest.
Judge Anton Du Beke joined her on air as the pair looked ahead to the 2026 launch show.
The move means Emma’s Saturday routine will look very different for the coming months as she swaps radio duties for one of the BBC’s biggest entertainment programmes.
Emma Begins New Strictly Era
Emma is joining comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe as part of the revamped Strictly Come Dancing presenting line-up.
The trio take over following the departures of long-serving hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced last year that they were leaving the dance competition.
Their arrival marks a major change for the programme as viewers adjust to three new faces at the centre of the ballroom.
While Emma focuses on the main Saturday-night show, Ellie will also be heavily involved in the Strictly world.
The comedian will make her debut as presenter of Strictly: It Takes Two on Monday, September 28.
She takes over the spin-off from previous presenters Janette Manrara and Fleur East and will bring viewers backstage access, interviews and reaction throughout the competition.
Ellie Returns to Strictly in New Role
Ellie is already familiar with the pressures of the ballroom after appearing as a celebrity contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022.
This time, however, she will be asking the questions rather than facing the judges herself.
Speaking about her new role, Ellie said: “What a total joy to return to Strictly in this new role.”
She added: “I feel incredibly honoured to follow in the footsteps of the phenomenal line-up of hosts who’ve made Strictly It Takes Two so loved over the years.”
Ellie said she was particularly looking forward to getting involved with all the backstage drama and excitement surrounding the competition.
“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.”
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.”
Big Changes Across BBC Schedule
The temporary Radio 2 switch highlights just how significant Emma’s new Strictly commitment has become.
Rather than trying to balance both roles every Saturday, she is taking a break from her lunchtime programme while the dance competition is under way.
Ellie will now become a familiar presence across both Radio 2 and Strictly: It Takes Two, while Emma settles into her new position alongside Josh and Johannes.
For listeners used to hearing Emma on Saturday afternoons, the coming months will therefore sound noticeably different.
But Ellie has promised plenty of music, guests and surprises while she holds the fort, with Emma expected to return to her Radio 2 role after her Strictly commitments ease.
