The twenty-fourth series of Strictly Come Dancing began on the BBC on 19 September 2026, featuring the biggest revamp in the show's history. Long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have departed, and for the first time, the programme is presented by a trio: Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.
Emma Willis, 50, has received widespread praise for her hosting skills, drawing on a broadcasting career spanning more than two decades. She has previously hosted The Voice UK, Love Is Love Is Blind UK and Big Brother.
Criticism of new hosts
Josh Widdicombe, 43, who co-hosts from the main floor alongside Emma, has faced negative feedback. Critics have labelled him a "problem the show needs to solve," noting his strong comedic impulses and awkward demeanour "get in the way of him being a smooth presenter". Viewers on social media have also called him a "spare part," pointing out he looked visibly terrified during the first live show, kept his hand glued to his pocket, and missed cues leading to awkward silences.
Johannes Radebe, taking over the upstairs interview area formerly known as the "Clauditorium", was called out by fans for multiple microphone and timing blunders during the live broadcast.
Rylan Clark's reported bid
According to reports, Sian Welby, Clara Amfo, Zoe Ball and Rylan Clark were among those who applied for the roles. The article suggests Rylan would have been perfect for the job, citing his wit and chemistry with Emma, with whom he has worked on Big Brother and This Morning.
The only reason suggested for Rylan not getting the job relates to comments he made on This Morning in August last year about the immigration crisis. Despite stating he was pro-legal immigration and grateful to foreign healthcare workers, Rylan called the reception of small-boat arrivals "absolutely insane" and said it felt like there was a "welcome, come on in" narrative. The broadcast prompted a social media backlash and drew 702 complaints to Ofcom. Fact-checkers noted that the Home Office does not distribute free phones or iPads, and asylum seekers are housed in basic accommodation on restricted allowances while banned from working.
Rylan defended his position in a statement on Instagram and X, writing: "You can be pro immigration and against illegal routes... Stop with this putting everyone in a box exercise and maybe have conversations instead of shouting on Twitter." He took a five-month absence from This Morning and returned on 6 February 2026, paired with Emma Willis.
Viewing figures drop
The article questions why the BBC hired two people whose first profession is not presenting, given the pressure of the role. It notes Josh has co-hosted The Last Leg since 2012 and presented Hypothetical and Fighting Talk, while Johannes is making his debut as a primary TV presenter.
Viewing figures for the opening of the 2026 series have decreased significantly. The first live show drew an average of 4.8 million viewers, peaking at 5 million, a sharp drop compared to recent years.
