New Strictly Come Dancing hosts officially announced
They will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman
Last updated 5 hours ago
Since announcing the shock news in October 2025 that they'd be leaving the show, rumours have been rife as to who will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing. Now, the BBC have officially confirmed the news, leaving fans very excited for the next series.
Who is replacing Tess and Claudia on Strictly?
On Tuesday 19th May, the BBC announced that Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe will become the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing, meaning for the first time in the show's history there will be three hosts.
The social media post read: '🪩 A new ballroom era begins!
'Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe are your new presenting trio for #Strictly Come Dancing 2026'. (sic)
Emma Willis says: “It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Strictly – I’ve cheered and danced along from my sofa for years - so to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend. It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind - two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long. I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter. I can’t wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and the judges. Fingers crossed for a 10 from them!"
Johannes Radebe says: "To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined. This show has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward. To do it alongside the formidable Emma Willis and the utterly brilliant Josh Widdicombe makes it even more special. I’m ready-sequins, nerves, and all...please bear with me. Love Jojo."
Josh Widdicombe says: "Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly remains my career high point, so I am giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television. I adore Emma and Jojo and can’t wait to spend my weekends with them. I’ll dust off the penguin costume."
Kate Phillips. BBC’s Chief Content Officer says: "Emma, Johannes and Josh’s chemistry is undeniable. There’s been so much speculation and hype, so I’m relieved we can share the news with the public at last! I’d like to thank all the brilliant people we saw before making this tough decision. But the most beloved ballroom in the UK always leads the way, and in a Strictly first we have chosen three outstanding hosts to take up the mantel. Along with our amazing Strictly team, who are busy planning fabulous and unforgettable treats for this new series, I know this terrific trio can’t wait to join our judges and pros to bring us must-see TV on the BBC this autumn."
After the news broke, former host Tess Daly commented: 'Can’t wait to tune in 😍 the ultimate trio 🔥💕'.
Alison Hammond, who was hotly tipped for the role, then wrote: 'This is wonderful , three truly beautiful people . You will all smash it ❤️❤️'.
Professional dancer Dianne Buswell added: 'This is so exciting ❤️❤️❤️ particularly excited for our fellow pro @johannesradebe babe you are a true star and this role is made for you ❤️we love you 🥰', with Amy Dowden adding: 'Yassssss. This is going to be amazing! What a day! What a series ahead! Xxxx'.
Zoe Ball, who confirmed last week she'd missed out on the job, said: 'CREW. congrats Emma Jojo and Josh. You're gonna ROCK IT 🪩🪩🪩♥️♥️♥️'. (sic)
When is Strictly back on TV?
Although there's no official date, Strictly Come Dancing will return in 2026 with its new hosts!
The BBC have said the series will begin in September.
NOW READ: Strictly judges and pro dancers confirmed for 2026 series
Why did Tess and Claudia leave the show?
After 21 years involved in the show, Tess and Claudia announced on 23rd October 2025 that they'd be leaving the show after the 2025 series.
Appearing in a video together, the pair said: "We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream.
"We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time.
"We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show. They’re the most brilliant team and we’ll miss them every day.
"We will cry when we say the last “keep dancing” but we will continue to say it to each other. Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza."
The pair also shared indivual statement, with Tess writing: 'After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing. It's hard to put into words what this show has meant to me, so here it goes...
'Strictly has always been about joy, celebration and bringing people together - and I'm so proud to have played a small part in something that continues to mean so much to so many'.
Claudia then told her own followers: 'It’s very difficult to put into words exactly what Strictly has meant to me. It’s been the greatest relationship of my career. From working on It Takes Two in 2004 until now it has been my everything, the show I will be eternally grateful for. I will never forget Len Goodman trying to teach me what a cucaracha is (I still don’t know) and the complete thrill and honour it was to work with Tess on the results show to co-hosting on Saturday nights.
'Strictly is a magical, glittery, fake tanned train and it’s been a privilege to be a tiny part of it. The extraordinary talent of the dancers, the band, the hair and makeup and costume teams, the unbelievable production crew and creatives - all utterly amazing. I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go and I know the new hosts will be magnificent, I look forward to watching them take Strictly to new heights. As for Tess - I’m so so lucky I got to stand next to you. You’re funny, kind, whip smart and a true friend and I love you.' (sic)
Now check out all of the past Strictly winners over the years:
Series 1: Natasha Kaplinsky
BBC newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky was the first celebrity to dance her way to victory in the summer of 2004 with professional dancer Brendan Cole.
Series 2: Jill Halfpenny
Also in 2004 (but this time in December) soap actress Jill Halfpenny also became a Strictly champion alongside her dance partner Darren Bennett. Their Jive was the first ever Strictly routine to score a full house of 40 points, so we're not surprised she went on to win!
Series 3: Darren Gough
English cricketer Darren Dough stole the glitterball trophy from the likes of Zoe Ball and chef James Martin, despite never reaching the top of the Strictly leaderboard with his dance partner, Lilia Kopylova. The pair also went on to win the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special in 2005.
Series 4: Mark Ramprakash
You may remember England cricketer Mark Ramprakash was the first ever contestant to restart a routine on Strictly after his microphone got caught in his dance partner's dress. However despite the hiccup, they still received the highest score! He was the second cricketer to bowl through and take home the glitterball in 2006.
Series 5: Alesha Dixon
R&B singer Alesha Dixon lifted the glitterball in 2007 alongside her dance partner Matthew Cutler in what was a very close final, as she finished just two points ahead of actor Matt Di Angelo. Alesha returned to the show to sit on the Strictly judging panel from 2009 to 2011, before leaving to judge on Britain's Got Talent, America's Got Talent and then Australia's Got Talent.
Series 6: Tom Chambers
Holby City and Casualty actor Tom Chambers' Strictly win alongside Camilla Dallerup became somewhat controversial, as despite scoring the lowest of the three finalists the public still made him their winner.
Series 7: Chris Hollins
Ola Jordan helped breakfast presenter Chris Hollins dance his way to victory in 2009.
Series 8: Kara Tointon
It wasn't just the glitter ball that Eastenders actress Kara Tointon left with at the end of her time on Strictly, but a new love with her professional dance partner Artem Chigvintsev. The pair even celebrated their win with a kiss - how romantic! Sadly, Kara and Artem's Strictly romance didn't last and the couple decided to part ways in 2014.
Series 9: Harry Judd
McFly drummer Harry Judd stole the winning spot in series 9 with professional dancer Aliona Vilani, beating fellow finalists Chelsee Healey and Jason Donovan. Harry fought hard to take the winning spot and didn't top the leaderboard until week 7, but from then on he received high 30s throughout the rest of the competition.
Series 10: Louis Smith
Louis took home bronze and glitter in 2012 after his success at the 2012 Olympics and on the Strictly dance floor, with dance partner Flavia Cacace. In the final he danced against Denise Van Outen and Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh, receiving the lowest score from the judges. But it didn't matter, as the British public voted for him to be their winner.
Series 11: Abbey Clancy
Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Skorjanec's routine regularly stole the show, so we weren't surprised when the pair were crowned the Strictly winners in 2013.
Series 12: Caroline Flack
Caroline Flack and partner Pasha Kovalev became the first and still are the only Strictly couple to receive 40 points for all three dances in the final. Caroline continued a successful TV career after the show, presenting on the X-Factor alongside Olly Murs and on ITV's Love Island. Sadly, Caroline took her own life in February 2020 and our thoughts are with all who knew her. Since Caroline's passing, her mum Christine has become an advocate for mental health.
Series 13: Jay McGuiness
Jay McGuiness was one of four members from boy band The Wanted and won with partner Aliona Vilan. The singer credited much of his success to his dance partner and on winning told her: "You deserve it so much, you really do."
Series 14: Ore Oduba
The TV and radio presenter was known for wearing his heart on his sleeve throughout the competition, regularly getting emotional throughout the series. But he shed tears of joy after beating Louise Redknapp and ex Hollyoaks star Danny Mac, which saw him take home the glitter trophy.
Series 15: Joe McFadden
Joe McFadden was the second Holby City actor to win Strictly with partner Katya Jones. He may not have been a natural dancer at the start, but he certainly came out on top beating Alexandra Burke, Debbie McGee and Gemma Atkinson in the final.
Series 16: Stacey Dooley
The journalist and broadcaster beat show favourite, Joe Sugg, with her dance partner Kevin Clifton. The couple had clearly fallen for each other while on the show as shortly after it was announced they were a couple.
Series 17: Kelvin Fletcher
Despite entering as a replacement for reality TV star Jamie Laing who injured his foot, former Emmerdale actor Kelvin stole the show and came out on top with his dance partner Oti Mabuse.
Series 18: Bill Bailey
Bill blew everyone's socks off and became the oldest contestant in Strictly history to take home the glitterball trophy. It was a big moment for his partner Oti Mabuse too, as their victory marked her second win.
Series 19: Rose Ayling-Ellis
EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, who was the first ever deaf contestant to take part in Strictly, and her professional dancer Giovanni Pernice beat GBBO star John Whaite and Johannes Radebe for the Glitterball after a tense 2021 finale.
Series 20: Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal
Wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin won the 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing with his professional partner Jowita Przystal. A firm favourite due to his high energy, great enthusiasm and incredible lifts, he beat radio presenter and singer Fleur East, singer and actress Molly Rainford and TV presenter Helen Skelton to the Glitterball Trophy.
Series 21: Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola
Former Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach was crowned the 2023 winner alongside her professional partner Vito Coppola. Ellie was in the final alongside Layton Williams and Bobby Brazier, and despite not topping the leaderboard during the final, the public voted for her to be crowned the 2023 winner of the Glitterball Trophy.
Series 22: Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Comedian Chris McCausland made Strictly history in 2024 when he become the first ever blind contestant to take part. Not only did he surpass all expectation, Chris and his partner Dianne Buswell went on to win the show, picking up the Glitterball Trophy.
Series 23: Karen Carney and Carlos Gu
Sports journalist and former professional footballer, Karen Carney and her professional dancer partner Carlos Gu lifted the 2025 Glitterball trophy. The pair performed a Showdance to 'Inner Smile' by Texas, Argentine Tango to 'Red Right Hand' by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds and a Jive to 'One Way Or Another' by Blondie.
Strictly Come Dancing will return later in 2026.