On Tuesday, months of speculation ended as the BBC confirmed that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe would all be the hosts of the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
However, the move is a bittersweet one for fans of the South African-born dancer who would have been looking forward to seeing him perform on the show. However, appearing on BBC Radio 2 alongside his new co-hosts, Johannes confirmed that fans would still be able to watch him dance on the show, even though it won’t be with a celebrity partner.
Johannes said questions about his dancing future on the show were the main ones that he had received, and Emma confirmed she would be “bereft” if the pro dancer stopped performing.
In response, the 39-year-old said: “No, listen, I’m not hanging [up] my dancing shoes yet. I’m not, I’m not. I will definitely be throwing some shapes and moving my hips. I can’t [not]. That’s my life.
He continued: “For it to be just taken away completely would be a travesty for me also. So, it’s not lost. There is a plan in action. I mean, it’s not my space any more to be on that dancefloor. But there’s gonna be, you’re gonna see JoJo.”
The trio made their first public appearance on Friday since the announcement when they all headed to the Chelsea Flower Show. However, during the outing, they were all surprised by their level of “anonymity”.
Josh joked: “Genuinely, me and Emma were walking around – I’ve never felt so anonymous in my life. It was unbelievable.”
The comedian also revealed that he didn’t tell his children the news, fearing they would be “leaks”, while Emma only told one of her children, fearing the same thing.
New Strictly hosts
The trio were confirmed as Strictly’s new presenters with an Instagram video showing Emma being joined by Johannes, with Josh joining the pair afterwards. The account teased: “It’s official…September 2026.” The show’s Instagram account has since changed its profile picture to include the trio.
Speaking about joining the show, Emma 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.
© Getty Images“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 added: “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.”2
© Getty Images for EmiratesJoking about joining the show, Josh said: “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.”
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