Strictly Come Dancing hosts finally confirmed as Johannes Radebe gets new role
Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe are the new Strictly hosts (BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s replacements on Strictly Come Dancing have finally been announced – and a fan-favourite is involved.
Last year, the hosting duo announced they would be leaving the BBC show, with La Voix nominating herself as a replacement. And while that isn’t happening, the full hosting line-up has now been confirmed, and everyone’s favourite Johannes Radebe has landed a new role outside of the pro dancing troupe.
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Radebe are stepping into Daly and Winkleman’s shoes to host Strictly this year.
The news was confirmed in an Instagram video, with the caption: “It’s official… September 2026.”
In the clip, Willis, Radebe and Widdicombe came together for a photo shoot to celebrate.
Fans and famous faces were clearly excited, with Alison Hammond commenting: “This is wonderful, three truly beautiful people. You will all smash it.”
Amanda Holden added: “Incredible! Genius casting! I cannot wait. Very much deserved.”
Willis, who fronted Big Brother on its move to Channel 5, said: “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!”
Radebe, who joined Strictly as a pro in 2018, said: “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.”
The hosting announcement comes after the line-up of this year’s pro dancers was confirmed. The celebrity contestants will be announced later in the year.
