Strictly Come Dancing's executive producer Sarah James has offered her verdict as the show's new hosts were seen uniting ahead of making their ballroom debut. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are preparing to take the helm of the BBC One dance show when it returns in September 2026.
New Hosts Selected After Tess and Claudia Departure
The trio were chosen to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who left their long-running roles on the Saturday night entertainment favourite at the end of the 2025 series in December. Tess, 56, presented the series alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth when it launched in 2004, while Claudia, 54, fronted its weekday companion show, It Takes Two. She eventually moved on to host the Sunday night results show alongside Tess and joined the main show every Saturday from 2014, after Sir Bruce stepped down.
The news of Emma, Josh and Johannes' appointment was shared on the show's Instagram page in May with the caption: "It's official…September 2026." Speaking about the trio for the first time, Kate Phillips, the BBC’s chief content officer, said their "chemistry is undeniable."
Bonding Over West End Show
Now, Sarah James, Strictly Come Dancing's Executive Producer for BBC Studios, has reacted to the new hosting trio coming together away from the ballroom. Emma, her husband Matt Willis, and Josh were seen heading out to see Johannes in his West End role, playing drag queen Lola in the hit musical, Kinky Boots.
Josh took to Instagram with pictures of the group showing Johannes their support and wrote: "Incredible evening watching @johannesradebe absolutely smash the West End in Kinky Boots. Emma and I a bit too in love with him in the second pic." Sarah replied: "Love this so much [heart emoji]."
Fans React to New Hosts
Fans were also delighted to see their new Strictly hosts bonding ahead of making their dazzling debut in the autumn. @starletlaur said: "I was there last night too and saw you all in the audience! Such an amazing performance!" @karen.hubbard.30 wrote: "Understandable I’d look at Jojo like that too. Fabulous show l’ve seen it four times since it’s been in London, next one will be the final evening. Looking forward to seeing the 3 of you on Strictly." @amanuel_desta added: "Amazing, well done to Johanness! All the best to him! I can't wait for the 3 of you to launch Strictly!!"
