Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe have officially taken over as hosts of *Strictly Come Dancing*, marking the start of the 2026 series. The trio replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down after years of hosting the popular BBC show. The new hosts made their debut during the pairing episode, which introduced the first set of celebrity contestants.
Reactions from fans have been mixed, with some praising the fresh dynamic and others expressing surprise at the change. One Strictly star reportedly made a joke about the former presenters, which was awkwardly received by the new hosts. Emma Willis, who is also hosting a Radio 2 show, has been balancing her duties while stepping into the role of *Strictly* host.
The new lineup includes a mix of seasoned performers and newcomers, adding variety to the show’s format. Johannes Radebe, a professional dancer, made his hosting debut alongside the other two, bringing a different energy to the set. The transition has been seen as a natural evolution for the long-running series.
As the 2026 series begins, audiences will be watching to see how the new hosts adapt to the high-pressure environment of *Strictly Come Dancing*. The show remains a staple of British television, and the new team will have their work cut out to maintain its popularity.
