Strictly Come Dancing's new presenting line-up could be facing a major overhaul just a fortnight into the new series, according to a body language expert. Fan-favourite hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were succeeded by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe for the 2026 series, following their announced exits last year.
Johannes' historic presenting role
Johannes made history as the first professional dancer to transition into a presenting role on the main programme, taking over what was once known as the 'Clauditorium'. However, despite Johannes expressing his enthusiasm for his new position, body language specialist Inbaal Honigman, speaking on behalf of Covers.com, suggested that he may be pining for his former role on the programme.
The comments come after Johannes jokingly pretended to cry in front of his co-hosts, telling them he was "emosh" before turning to his former co-stars on the dance floor and telling them that he "missed [them] all".
Expert analysis of Johannes' body language
According to Inbaal, his words and body language could reveal more than initially meets the eye. She told Express.co.uk: "When the competition is just about to start, and Johannes makes a joke about missing being one of the dancers, there's more to it than meets the eye."
"The dancer-turned-presenter pulls a sad face, lips turned downwards, eyebrows lowered, communicating how he feels to be on the outside. His upset expression, at this point, could be just a little joke for the cameras."
"But while Emma and Josh look to the cameras and get on with their presenting, Johannes keeps sneaking glances back towards the dancers. The 'bit', the joke is over, but his devastated face remains," she added. "It's as if he can't wipe his sad expression away. Those backwards glances could signify regret as well as sadness, as he still sees himself as part of the gang, one of the dancers, and not a presenter."
Mixed viewer reactions
The new presenting trio has sparked mixed reactions from viewers, with many questioning why three hosts are needed.
"Thinking on last night's #Strictly's teething problems as they obviously don't have the flow Tess & Claudia had but I've a solution swap Johannes & Josh. Josh's quips are better suited for the Claudia role & Johannes will be better as a go-between explaining the judges comments," one wrote.
Another typed: "The only one who looked like they fit perfectly was Emma Willis. Johannes Radebe has to go back to being a dancer and Josh Widdicombe replace him upstairs with the couples. Three just doesn't work. #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing."
A third added: "I’m behind on #Strictly, but I just think 3 presenters is too many cooks in the kitchen. Emma fills the Tess role even better than Tess ever did to be honest, and I genuinely believe Josh is funny enough to pull off the Claudia role. Johannes is out of his depth unfortunately," while a fourth said in contrast: "Johannes, in whatever capacity, is great! #strictly."
On Saturday (September 27), all 15 couples performed live for the first time. At the top of the leaderboard were John Nellis and Katya Jones with 31 points, while Dame Sarah Storey and Julian Caillon, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Alexis Warr, and Melanie Walters and Aljaz Skorjanec shared the bottom spot with 15 points.
