New Hosts for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Revealed
The upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, with new hosts and a fresh lineup of dancers and celebrities set to take to the dance floor. Rumors have been swirling for weeks, but now the details are finally coming to light.
Josh Widdicombe, a well-known comedian and co-host of The Last Leg, has been confirmed as the new host of the show. His comedic timing and ability to handle live audiences have impressed BBC bosses, who believe he will bring a fresh energy to the program. Widdicombe’s humor and charm were on full display during a recent performance at London’s Hackney Empire, where he joked about being the “st middle-aged bloke” on Strictly. This lighthearted comment was made just hours before the news of his potential role as host broke.
Emma Willis, another familiar face in British television, has also been named as a new host. She has previously appeared on the show as a presenter and has proven herself to be a reliable and engaging presence. Sources close to the production say that Emma’s chemistry with the contestants and her ability to connect with the audience make her an ideal fit for the role. She is expected to work alongside Josh, creating a dynamic duo that could bring a new level of excitement to the show.
Johannes Radebe, a professional dancer and choreographer, is also set to join the hosting team. He has been a part of Strictly since 2018 and has built a strong reputation within the show. While his role as a host is still under discussion, insiders believe he could be paired with Emma, creating a strong and complementary partnership.
A New Era for Strictly Come Dancing
With these new additions, the BBC is looking to revitalize the show and bring it into a new era. The network has not officially confirmed the details, but sources suggest that the goal is to create a more inclusive and entertaining experience for viewers. The focus will be on chemistry between the hosts and the celebrities, as well as the overall energy of the show.
The auditions for the new hosts were held in secret, with strict NDAs in place to keep the process confidential. Nine shortlisted stars were invited to a top-secret location in London for full-scale dress rehearsals, complete with a judging panel and live band. Among those who made the final cut were Rylan, Emma, Tom Allen, and Alex Jones, all of whom have shown promise in their previous appearances on television.
Returning Dancers and New Faces
In addition to the new hosts, the returning professional dancers include some of the show’s most popular figures. Dianne Buswell, Nancy Xu, Vito Coppola, Julian Caillon, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Alexis Warr, and Kai are all set to return for the 24th series. However, some familiar faces have been let go, including Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Luba Mushtuk.
The celebrity contestants will be judged by a panel of four experienced judges: Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton du Beke. Their expertise and insights will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the performances each week.
What to Expect in 2026
Fans can expect a mix of familiar faces and new talent, with the show aiming to maintain its high standards while introducing fresh ideas. The producers are hoping to create a more fun and engaging atmosphere, with a focus on the chemistry between the hosts and the celebrities. Whether they stick with two female hosts or introduce a third presenter, the goal is to keep the energy high and the entertainment value at its peak.
As the countdown to the 2026 season begins, excitement is building among fans. With new hosts, returning dancers, and a fresh batch of celebrities, Strictly Come Dancing is set to deliver another unforgettable season of dance, drama, and dazzling performances.
