Johannes Radebe’s Strictly hosting duties revealed after ‘roving reporter’ claim
Johannes Radebe clarifies his role as Strictly Come Dancing host. (Jeff Spicer/Getty)
Strictly Come Dancing host Johannes Radebe role and hosting duties on the revamped show have been clarified, denying claims he’d be a “roving reporter”.
Radebe, Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe are replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on the BBC dance competition.
There were rumours that Radebe, who was a professional dancer on the show from 2018 to 2025, would be a “roving reporter”. However, that has been shot down.
Speaking on The Rest is Entertainment podcast, Willis said: “There’s definitely no backstage roving reporter, which is what has been reported quite a bit.”
Reports said Radebe would be in a less fixed hosting role. Previously, Daly was the host on the dancefloor while Winkleman did the post-dance debrief in the “Clauditorium”.
For this new trio of hosts, Willis says their hosting roles are “kind of open” and not robustly defined.
Radebe also shared he will definitely be doing “a little bit of prying and finding out the truth”, while hosting. His background as a professional dancer on the show will certainly give him the advantage of already being friendly with the dancers.
The 39-year-old South African dancer and choreographer made history as part of the show’s first male same-sex partnership. In 2021, he reached the final with partner John Whaite.
Radebe shared his new role was “very, very exciting”. Though, he does feel a “little bit of a tinge” of FOMO at no longer competing. He also noted he’ll “struggle” with having to be impartial.
When he was announced as host, Radebe 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.”
Strictly is back with another 15 celebrities competing for the glitterball trophy. Among them are Australian singer Delta Goodrem, Eastenders star Jaime Winstone, and House of the Dragon‘s Bethany Antonia.
Judges Shirley Ballas, Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke are also back for the 24th series.
Strictly Come Dancing returns on 19 September at 7:25pm with a launch show.
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