Overview
- The BBC confirmed in May that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and former professional Johannes Radebe will begin presenting Strictly Come Dancing when the show returns in September 2026.
- The trio made a public showing in London this week that included an official photoshoot and a backstage visit to Radebe’s West End performance of Kinky Boots, with images shared on Strictly’s Instagram.
- BBC chief content officer Kate Phillips described the new hosts’ chemistry as “undeniable,” and executive producer Sarah James publicly reacted with approval to the hosts’ backstage reunion.
- Fans on X, Reddit and Instagram have reacted mixedly to the appointments, with some viewers optimistic and others predicting the lineup could change after one series.
- Radebe’s concurrent role as Lola in Kinky Boots creates visible scheduling and publicity overlaps that producers will need to manage as the new team prepares for live Saturday broadcasts.