Strictly Come Dancing contestant Will Best is temporarily stepping back from his Hits Radio Breakfast Show commitments while he competes on the BBC dance programme and continues hosting Big Brother.
The 41-year-old broadcaster made the announcement on air during Wednesday's (September 30) live Breakfast Show, which marked his final appearance for now. Will presents the weekly Big Brother eviction programmes with co-host AJ Odudu and fronts the Hits Radio Breakfast Show with Fleur East and James Barr.
Co-hosts confirm break
Fleur, a former Strictly: It Takes Two presenter, disclosed the news during the show, reports Wales Online. "It's a sad day for us in the studio this morning," Fleur began. "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."
"I'm doing it all!" Will observed, before Fleur continued: "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 confirmed
Fleur subsequently confirmed that her colleague is anticipated to rejoin the morning radio programme in early November, so listeners won't have too long to wait. "Can we speak on the phone every Monday?" Will then enquired. He added: "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 recognised that it was an "emotional time", before encouraging viewers to support Will throughout his Strictly journey. "We'll keep the campaign going on your behalf," James confirmed, with Fleur adding: "We're all behind you."
Fans show support
A recording of the exchange was promptly shared on Instagram, prompting numerous fans to leave encouraging comments. "You shall be missed!!!" one person posted. Another commented: "Vote Will!!! Enjoy a well deserved break mate." A third remarked: "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 supporter mirrored the feeling, stating: "I'm going to miss you Will." Someone else wrote: "Oh man!! Good luck on @bbcstrictly but hurry back @iamwillbest you will be missed first thing in the morning!!"
Will was given the responsibility of launching the opening week of Strictly 2026, as all 15 new celebrities stepped onto the dance floor for the first time. Will and his professional dance partner Dianne Buswell delivered a Samba to Rock DJ by Robbie Williams, which earned 18 points from the judges. Strictly Come Dancing is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
