Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis, and Josh Widdicombe have been confirmed as the new presenting team for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing, marking a significant change in the long-running BBC show’s presentation format. The trio will replace previous hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down last Christmas.

The announcement came as a surprise to both the public and the new presenters themselves, who learned of their appointments in unexpected locations. Radebe, a professional dancer born in South Africa, received the news at home while preparing for a West End performance, Willis was at a hair salon with her head in the sink, and Widdicombe, a standup comedian, took the call via Zoom from a quiet cemetery in Birmingham while on tour.

The selection process was reportedly extensive, involving secret auditions and chemistry tests conducted under strict confidentiality. The BBC even created a fictitious show called The Great Garden Glow Up to divert attention from the Strictly presenting search. According to Willis and Widdicombe, candidates were shuttled discreetly to auditions, avoiding paparazzi and public speculation.

Originally, the new presenting team was expected to follow the traditional two-host format, but producers ultimately opted for a trio after observing the chemistry among the three. Willis explained that during callbacks, producers proposed trying a trio setup, an approach not previously considered by the show. This marks a departure from the established formula and allows the presenters to bring a fresh dynamic to the program.

The new team emphasizes their collective approach, expressing enthusiasm about working closely together without ego. Widdicombe described them as “a gang,” while Radebe noted his commitment to remaining engaged with the series, including negotiating to continue dancing in some capacity despite his new front-of-camera role. Willis refuted speculation that the presenting roles would mirror the former hosts’ structure, stating there will be no fixed positions or roving reporters but rather a shared presentation throughout the show.

Radebe’s appointment is seen as a milestone, as he becomes the first Black presenter of the main Strictly series. He marked the announcement as a personal celebration, coinciding with his recent British citizenship. Widdicombe highlighted the show’s progressive stance, citing its inclusivity regarding disability and same-sex couples, and underscored Strictly’s status as a central fixture in British entertainment.

All three presenters identified themselves as longtime fans of Strictly Come Dancing, noting that they aim to maintain the show’s beloved traditions rather than overhaul its format. Willis emphasized that the show’s stage and feel will remain consistent with previous years, reinforcing its institutional status.

Both Willis and Widdicombe detailed their personal connections to the program’s history, recalling admired contestants such as Abbey Clancy and Rose Ayling-Ellis, and spoke of the show’s appeal as a family ritual, particularly after Widdicombe became a father.

As the new series approaches, the presenters are preparing for their debut amid the pressure to uphold Strictly’s reputation. They recently filmed a large-scale group dance that will open the show, indicating their active involvement behind the scenes. The team’s chemistry and enthusiasm suggest a renewed energy as Strictly Come Dancing embarks on its next chapter.