Emma Willis has been confirmed as one of the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing, while continuing her role as presenter of Netflix's Love Is Blind UK alongside her husband Matt Willis. The 50-year-old will front the BBC dance competition alongside professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Tess and Claudia announced their departure in October last year, stating: 'We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together, and now feels like the right time.' They expressed gratitude to the BBC and the show's team, adding: 'We will cry when we say the last “keep dancing” but we will continue to say it to each other. Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza.'
Willis, who previously hosted Big Brother and The Voice, said in May: '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.' She added her excitement to work with the dancers and judges.
The presenter has now revealed that she received a seal of approval from her predecessors. Speaking to The Sun, Willis said: 'We’ve had a little back and forth, yes, and they were lovely. They just said, “Congrats, well done, you’ll smash it.” And I was like, “S**t!”' When asked for advice, she noted: 'No tips. Just lots of kind words.'
Willis is no stranger to live television, having hosted ITV's This Morning and various reality series including I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! NOW and Channel 4's The Circle. She continues to present Love Is Blind UK on Netflix alongside her husband, balancing both commitments.
