Strictly Come Dancing hosts announced—who’s replacing Tess Daly?

Strictly’s new host lineup confirmed

After weeks of speculation, BBC has confirmed that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe will take over as hosts of Strictly Come Dancing.

The shakeup ends the long run of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down following a rigorous audition process. The announcement matters because it effectively reshapes the show’s on-air team heading into its next run, changing both the hosting format and how audiences will experience major live episodes.

What’s already known about the change

• The trio will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as the faces of the programme.
• Multiple stories tie the change to fan reaction and industry chatter, including comments and posts from people connected to the show.
• Some coverage frames the audience response as divided, with “fan reaction” described as arriving quickly after the confirmation.

Why it’s a big pop-culture moment

Strictly is one of the UK’s most watched entertainment properties, and host chemistry is a key part of its live-week rhythm. Moving from a two-host structure (Daly and Winkleman) to a three-person presenting team also signals how the BBC plans to manage the show’s pacing—especially through rehearsals, live results, and behind-the-scenes segments.

The confirmed lineup will now become the new baseline for viewer expectations, from judging-night banter to how contestants and audiences engage on camera. Expect more attention on how the hosts work together, particularly once the next series gets underway.