Johannes Radebe has been moved to tears just weeks before making his presenting debut on Strictly Come Dancing. The professional dancer will front the BBC primetime show alongside Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who left after the 2025 series was won by footballer Karen Carney.
BBC boss on new hosts' emotions
Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips gave an update on the fresh presenting line-up, saying: "They're very excited. Johannes always cries every time you speak to him. I'm hoping they're happy tears. He's a lovely, emotional man, Johannes, and I think they were happy tears last week."
Johannes, Josh and Emma will perform a dance in the opening episode, which is being pre-recorded on Wednesday, September 9. They have been rehearsing intensively with the remaining professional dancers in a London studio.
Opening number planned
A source told The Sun: "This year's series is going to be Strictly 2.0. Bosses are determined to put all the bad blood of the past behind them and start afresh with new dancers and new hosts."
"They're working really hard on an opening number. It will blow everyone's socks off. Traditionally the presenters haven't danced but since Johannes is a pro and Emma and Josh are keen to learn they're making it part of their routine. They're all really excited and can't wait for fans to see them in action."
Pro dancer shake-up
There has also been a significant shake-up among the professional dancer line-up. Fan favourites Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Márquez have all departed the show, while Neil Jones and Nancy Xu will reportedly be without a partner this series.
The judging panel remains unchanged, with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Judge Shirley Ballas all set to return.
Celebrity line-up revealed
The 2026 celebrity line-up includes Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Coach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Graeme Hall, Lawrence Robb, Tabby Stoecker, John Nellis and Melanie Walters.
The professional and celebrity pairings are yet to be revealed and will be announced when the launch show airs. Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in September.
