Emma Willis has been quizzed on whether a Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman tradition will continue on Strictly Come Dancing as she takes over as host.
The presenter, famed for fronting popular programmes such as Big Brother and The Voice, was announced earlier this year as one of three new presenters of the BBC One dance show, alongside comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe. It makes them the first-ever trio to take to the helm of the popular programme, and they were signed up after former presenters Tess and Claudia left their long-running roles on the Saturday night entertainment favourite at the end of the 2025 series in December.
Emma Willis on taking over the Strictly role
Emma previously spoke about taking on the Strictly hosting role in a statement shared alongside the announcement. She said: "It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Strictly – I’ve cheered and danced along from my sofa for years – so to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend."
She added: "It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind – two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long. I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter."
Questioned on the famous catchphrase
Now, Emma has been heard being quizzed on her upcoming gig as she promotes the latest series of Netflix's Love is Blind UK alongside her husband and co-host, Matt, and during one of their interviews, she was asked about the famous 'keeeep dancing' catchphrase, which Tess and Claudia delivered at the end of the show, complete with a dance move.
On Magic Radio Breakfast, host Harriet Scott asked whether the classic Strictly farewell might prove difficult with three hosts. Emma replied: "That is difficult with three. At the minute we’re having like loads of production days and we’re playing with who’s with who and how does it work. But I imagine we’ll need to have something!"
While she didn't confirm nor deny whether the catchphrase will remain, Matt spoke about what it was like for Emma trying to get the Strictly job. "In our house it was such a secret, the whole process was like casting the next Bond!" the Busted singer said. "Secret addresses, turning up to studios that were blacked out, everything about it was so secretive. I was like this is so exciting!"
