New Strictly hosts reveal how the three-presenter format will work
Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe will host the show
Last updated 6 hours ago
For the first time in the show's history, Strictly Come Dancing will have three hosts for the upcoming 2026 series, following Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's departures at the back end of last year.
With Strictly 2026 due to begin on 19th September, fans are wondering how the new three-presenter format will work, as Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe take the reins for the new era.
Speaking to Richard Osman on his The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, the trio have confirmed there will be no set roles on the show, unlike how it used to be with Tess and Claud.
Emma said: “There’s no like for like, so no one’s kind of replacing anybody and at the minute it’s all very kind of open. We’re having lots of production days where we go in and we play around and we’re kind of feeling each other out - well, they’re feeling us out really.”
Josh then added: “It’s going to be like total football, Richard. We’re going to be moving everywhere.”
With Emma adding: “There’s definitely no backstage roving reporter, which is what has been reported quite a bit. That’s not a thing.”
READ MORE: Emma Willis reveals what she's most excited for about presenting Strictly
As fans will know, names like Holly Willoughby, Alison Hammond, Fleur East and Zoe Ball were all rumoured to take over the hosting duties, and it sounds like bosses were keen to keep the audition process under wraps.
Revealing to Richard the BBC created a fake show, comedian Josh said: “We were told if the driver asked, he’d been told it was a show called… about gardening called The Great Garden Glow Up.”
Emma laughed: “So they created a whole new name for a show. Created a whole new show… They said for the cab drivers.”
Josh then added “I did feel like saying to my agent, I wouldn’t have gone to The Great Garden Glow Up chemistry test.”
When does Strictly Come Dancing start?
This year's celebrity cast and professional dancers pre-recorded the launch show on Wednesday 9th September, with the episode due to air on Saturday 19th September.
Weekly live shows will then begin from Saturday 26th September, followed by the pre-recorded Sunday night results show.
Check out the full Strictly 2026 line-up below:
Lacey Turner
Best known for: Actress
Lacey said: "I am so excited to being making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing! I am a huge fan and can't quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!"
Dani Dyer
Best known for: TV personality
Dani said: "I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one! I'm just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!"
Delta Goodrem
Best known for: Singer and actress
Delta said: "I've been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career - from tv, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is however one stage I've never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor! I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining Strictly and can't wait to get started!"
Chris Appleton
Best known for: World-renowned conceptual hair stylist
Chris said: 'I'm thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience. I've always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new. I may know my way around a salon floor, but the dance floor is a whole different story - and I can't wait to get started.'
Cach Mercer
Best known for: Love Island winner
Cach said: "I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can't wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!"
Will Best
Best known for: Radio presenter and Big Brother host
Will said: "I can't quite believe it…I'm doing Strictly! What an absolute dream. Albeit a pretty terrifying one. I've been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait! I have no idea if I can actually dance, but bring on the sequins, bring on the quicksteps, bring on the dance floor! I'm going to try to enjoy every minute of it."
Dame Sarah Storey
Best known for: Paralympic athlete
Sarah said: "Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting. I have always loved watching Strictly and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world, is incredibly motivating! I can't wait to get started!"
Jaime Winstone
Best known for: Actress
Jamie said: "I am so excited to announce that I will be joining the Strictly Come Dancing cast this year. I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me. I love a challenge though, so can't wait to enter my showgirl era and get super sparkly!! Let's get physical – see you on the dance floor!"
Bethany Antonia
Best known for: Actress
Bethany said: "I can't quite believe that I will be heading to the Strictly ballroom this September! I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill. See you on the dancefloor!"
Shaun Wright-Phillips
Best known for: Football legend and pundit
Shaun said: "Dancing is in my blood — but mainly at family events! Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I'm super excited to get started and really looking forward to the challenge!"
Graeme Hall
Best known for: Dog coach and Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly star
Graeme said: "I can't believe I am joining the cast of Strictly for 2026. I have always loved dancing, so to have the opportunity to learn from the best in the business is a dream come true. I have watched the show for years, so to be a part of it feels like a very exciting challenge, albeit more than a bit nerve-wracking! I can't wait to get started. Bring it on!"
Lawrence Robb
Best known for: Emmerdale actor
Lawrence said: "I don't know who's more excited about this, me or my Mother. I can't quite believe that I am going to be getting my dancing shoes on this September on one of my favourite shows of all time! It's a dream come true, and I can't wait to bring my all to ballroom. Wish me luck, and any advice is very welcome - trust me I'll need it!"
Tabby Stoecker
Best known for: Team GB Skeleton athlete
Tabby said: "I am over the moon to be joining the cast of Strictly 2026. I've had the wildest year of my life so far, so to be rounding it off with a childhood dream of dancing in the Strictly ballroom is surreal and I can't wait to get stuck in!"
John Nellis
Best known for: Sports Content Creator
John said: "I'm still in disbelief that I've been selected for Strictly and, if I'm honest, I'm a little nervous as I've never danced before! It's such an incredible opportunity, and I'm going to throw myself into every moment. I can't wait to meet everyone, learn a new skill and, hopefully, be much better at family parties by the end of it!"
Melanie Walters
Best known for: Gavin and Stacey actress
Melanie said: "Performing in Pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly 'fix' has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room. This year I am completely thrilled and happy to swap my fairy wand for sequinned dance shoes. I just hope I don't follow Cinderella and leave one on the Ballroom stairs. I cannot wait to take part in this absolutely iconic show, it's so exciting. See you in September!"
Author: Alex Ross
Alex Ross is a Digital Content Editor across Rayo brands, including the Hits Radio Network, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Cool FM and Magic Radio. After beginning her career as a Marketing Intern with Bauer Media in 2016, she transitioned into digital editorial and has spent the past decade creating engaging content for millions of readers. Whether it’s reality shows, sitcoms, gritty crime dramas or hard-hitting documentaries, Alex is an expert in all things TV, as well as knowing the ins and outs of celebrities.