Chris McCausland, who won Strictly Come Dancing in 2024 with Dianne Buswell, has said the BBC show's decision to replace Claudia Winkleman with a male host was correct. The comedian, 49, was the first blind contestant on the programme and his emotional waltz with Dianne won the BAFTA for Memorable Moment at the 2025 ceremony.
New hosts for 2026
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their departure from the series in 2025. Tess had hosted since 2004, with Claudia joining as co-presenter in 2014. In May 2026, the BBC revealed Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe as the new presenting trio.
Speaking to RadioTimes, McCausland said: "Josh is a mate of mine. He’s quick and funny, but also very warm, and I think that’s what the show needs. Trying to replace Claudia directly would have been a mistake. Josh is such a different proposition that I don’t think people will compare him to Claudia in the same way they might have done if they’d got another female presenter. I think he’ll be brilliant."
Josh Widdicombe's excitement
Widdicombe, 43, said of his new role: "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."
Strictly 2026 lineup
The confirmed celebrities for the 2026 series so far include Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey and Jaime Winstone. Further names are expected over the summer ahead of the new series starting on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in September.
