Will Best has received an emotional but fond farewell from his co-hosts as he prepares to take a break from one of his presenting roles while competing on Strictly Come Dancing.
The TV and radio star, who continues to host the current series of Big Brother on ITV alongside AJ Odudu, is among the 15 celebrities taking part in the BBC One dance contest, which began last month.
Strictly Journey So Far
During the pre-recorded launch show, it was revealed that Will had been paired with professional dancer Dianne Buswell for the 2026 run of the BBC One contest, before Strictly went live for the first time on Saturday, September 26.
Will and Dianne opened week one of the competition, as all 15 celebrities and their professional partners performed a full routine in front of the judges for the first time. Their samba to Rock DJ by Robbie Williams earned 18 points out of a possible 40 from judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke.
Co-Hosts' Send-Off
Before his next performance, Will was seen and heard saying goodbye to his Hits Radio Breakfast co-hosts Fleur East and James Barr as he takes time out to focus on his other commitments. Fleur said on the show: "It's a sad day for us in the studio this morning. 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..."
Fleur added: "Will, we're going to give you a break. A gift from us, to you." Will joked: "Oh that's really sweet. Thanks guys." He added: "Polish up the dancing shoes, get the twinkly toes ready to go and, you know, that means I can represent you both to the best of my ability."
Upcoming Performances
Will asked if they could speak on the phone live on the show before and after each Strictly weekend so he could give updates on his training, and quipped, 'what went wrong', after each live performance. Fleur added: "It's an emotional time. Everyone vote Will... We're all behind you!"
Will and Dianne have since returned to rehearsals as they prepare for their second routine, which they will perform during Strictly's Movie Week special on Saturday, October 3, ahead of the series' first elimination during Sunday's results show on October 4.
