Former Strictly Come Dancing professional AJ Pritchard has praised Emma Willis as a “great” choice for the show's new host, saying she brings professionalism and a love for dance. Pritchard, who was a pro on the BBC series from 2016 to 2019, spoke at the Goodwoof dog show over the weekend, where he was teaching dance alongside his brother, former Love Island star Curtis Pritchard.
The BBC announced earlier today that Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and former Strictly pro Johannes Radebe will take over as hosts, replacing Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. Pritchard expressed excitement about Willis joining, noting that she is “so professional” and that the presenters' role is to guide viewers through the celebrities' journeys without altering the show's beloved format.
When asked whether Willis or Widdicombe needed dance experience, Pritchard dismissed the idea, stating that a passion for dance is sufficient. “You need a love and passion for dance – whether that be karaoke, dancing at a wedding – then you’ve got enough love,” he said. He added that the new hosts must bring out the individual stories of each celebrity, as every contestant has a unique journey on the show.
Pritchard also emphasised the importance of fresh energy, hoping the new hosts will support the professionals' creativity and the celebrities' experiences. Despite leaving the UK version in 2019, he remains a fan and will appear as a professional on the American version, Dancing With the Stars, which premieres on July 13 on Disney+, ABC, and Hulu.
