Strictly Come Dancing Kicks Off 24th Series with New Hosting Trio

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 20, 2026

The 24th series of Strictly Come Dancing premiered with new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, alongside five new professional dancers and celebrity contestants. This fresh lineup and hosting team have brought renewed energy to the show, highlighted by notable returns and meaningful stories such as Dani Dyer’s comeback and Bethany Antonia’s inspiration from the show’s first same-sex dance.

The 24th series of the BBC’s dance competition Strictly Come Dancing launched on Saturday night, introducing a new trio of hosts and a fresh lineup of professional dancers and celebrity contestants. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe collectively took over presenting duties, marking a notable shift in the show's hosting format.

The new presenters opened the show with a group dance alongside the professionals and celebrities, showcasing a dynamic start to the season. Emma Willis expressed her enthusiasm, remarking on the unexpected opportunity to dance with the Strictly pros. Johannes Radebe, a former professional dancer turned presenter, noted his surprise at the trio’s collaboration, while comedian Josh Widdicombe added a humorous touch to the introduction, eliciting laughs from the audience.

The trio’s debut received positive reactions on social media, with viewers praising the BBC’s choice. Fans highlighted the distinct qualities each host brings to their roles, contributing to a different energy for the program. Josh Widdicombe also shared with his followers his experience of getting his first Strictly spray tan, signaling his full commitment to the show.

This series introduced five new professional dancers to the Strictly ballroom, expanding the competitive field. Celebrity pairings were revealed through a choreographed “musical chairs” style segment, adding an element of surprise and creativity to the launch. Among returning contestants, former Love Island participant Dani Dyer rejoined the competition, paired once again with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin after having to withdraw last year due to injury. Dyer reflected on the emotional challenges she faced during her previous exit, describing it as a difficult period that deeply affected her.

Actress Bethany Antonia, paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu, cited inspiration from a landmark moment in the show’s history. She referenced the first same-sex dance partnership on Strictly, performed by Nicola Adams and Katya Jones in 2020, which had a significant personal impact on her. Antonia explained that witnessing the supportive reaction of her family to the performance helped affirm her own journey.

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing continues to blend entertainment, personal stories, and dance as it progresses, maintaining its place as a key fixture in the BBC’s programming lineup.

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