Strictly Come Dancing contestant Will Best has announced he is taking a temporary break from his Hits Radio Breakfast Show duties while he competes in the BBC dance competition.
The 41-year-old presenter is currently appearing on Strictly with professional partner Dianne Buswell. He also co-hosts Big Brother evictions with AJ Odudu and presents the Hits Radio Breakfast Show alongside Fleur East and James Barr.
Because of his packed schedule, Will will pause his radio work while Strictly and Big Brother are on air.
Live on-air announcement
The news was shared by Fleur East during Wednesday's (September 30) live Breakfast Show, which marked Will's last day for now. "It's a sad day for us in the studio this morning," she began.
Will is currently competing in Strictly Come Dancing. Fleur said: "Now, we all know right now our very own Will Best is the busiest man in show business. Hits Radio Breakfast, Big Brother, Strictly Come Dancing."
Will then noted: "I'm doing it all!" Fleur added: "Will, we're going to give you a little break... A gift from us to you."
Will responded: "Oh, that's really sweet, thanks guys! [I'm going to] polish up the dancing shoes, get the twinkly toes ready to go. And that means that I can represent you guys to the best of my ability."
Return date and fan reaction
Fleur then disclosed that her co-host is expected to return to the morning radio show in early November. "Can we speak on the phone every Monday?" Will then enquired.
"I can try and speak to you on a Friday to tell you how I think it's going to go... And then on a Monday to tell you what went wrong!" Fleur admitted it was an "emotional time", before encouraging viewers to vote for Will during his Strictly stint.
"We'll keep the campaign going on your behalf," James assured, with Fleur wrapping up: "We're all behind you." A clip of the chat was posted to Instagram, where fans shared messages of support.
"You shall be missed!!!" one person wrote. Another said: "Vote Will!!! Enjoy a well deserved break mate."
A third commented: "I'm so glad he's not gonna be getting up at 5am. I was on the verge of a second hand nervous breakdown on his behalf. The busiest man in showbiz needs some sleep. VOTE WILL."
A fourth fan said: "We'll miss you Will." Another remarked: "Oh man! ! Good luck on @bbcstrictly but hurry back @iamwillbest you will be missed first thing in the morning!!"
Will opened the first week of Strictly 2026, as all 15 new celebrities made their dance floor debut. Will and Dianne performed a Samba to Rock DJ by Robbie Williams, earning 18 points from the judges.
Strictly Come Dancing is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
