Denise Welch has sparked speculation about her potential participation in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing, following a cryptic response to questions about the show. The 2026 celebrity line-up has yet to be announced after the BBC's significant revamp of the popular programme. However, as rumours continue to swirl regarding who will compete in the new season, Welch found herself under scrutiny when asked whether she had secured a spot.
Denise Welch's Cryptic Response
When approached by The Sun and asked if she was in negotiations with Strictly, Welch replied: 'I'm pleading the fifth on that one. Bye!' This ambiguous answer has fuelled speculation that she may be joining the cast. Strictly has a history of recruiting personalities from the ITV talk show Loose Women, including former contestants such as Kaye Adams, Ruth Langsford, and Judi Love. Despite the hint, Welch emphasised that her primary focus remains on acting, with several upcoming projects in the pipeline. 'It's all exciting,' she added. The Daily Mail has contacted Welch's representatives for further comment.
New Hosts Announced for Strictly 2026
Earlier this month, the BBC unveiled the new hosting team for Strictly Come Dancing: presenter Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe, and comedian Josh Widdicombe. This unexpected trio will replace outgoing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down at the end of 2025 after an extensive audition process. The announcement was made on Strictly's official Instagram page, featuring a video where Emma and Johannes exchanged cheek kisses before inviting Josh to join them.
Emma Willis expressed her excitement: '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. 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: 'I can't wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and the judges. Fingers crossed for a 10 from them!'
Josh Widdicombe, a fan of the show who competed in the 2024 Christmas special, said he was 'giddy with excitement' about his new role. 'Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly remains my career high point, so I am giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television,' he commented. 'I adore Emma and Jojo and can't wait to spend my weekends with them. I'll dust off the penguin costume.'
Johannes Radebe described the opportunity as 'beyond anything I ever imagined.' He noted that the show 'has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness' and feels 'deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward.' He added: 'To do it alongside the formidable Emma Willis and the utterly brilliant Josh Widdicombe makes it even more special. I'm ready – sequins, nerves, and all... please bear with me.'
Behind the Scenes of the Host Selection
Emma Willis was the first of the trio to be signed by BBC bosses after a shortlist of presenters underwent chemistry reads and screen tests over recent weeks. Josh Widdicombe emerged as a shock favourite last week, impressing executives with his audition. Johannes, one of Strictly's most beloved professional dancers since 2018, will take on presenting duties for the first time. Partnered with Alex Kingston last year, Johannes will not have a celebrity partner this year as he assumes the role of a roving reporter, though he will participate in group dances. The South African dancer, known for his flamboyant routines and outgoing personality, is currently starring in Kinky Boots on the West End stage. He has also appeared in Doctor Who and competed on Celebrity MasterChef. In 2023, he published his memoir Jojo: Finally Home, which became a bestseller.
Several high-profile names were considered for the hosting roles, including Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, and Angela Scanlon. Zoe Ball, a BBC stalwart for over 30 years, recently spoke of her 'grief' at not landing the role after auditioning. 'I didn't get it, but it's okay,' she said on the Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley. 'I have worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection over the last couple of days.' She added: 'No, I didn't get it. But I tell you what, if [it's] who I think has got it, we're in safe hands and our new hosts are going to be fabulous. I'm so thrilled for them, and hopefully at a later date we'll be able to talk about them in more detail.'
Josh and Johannes mark the first male hosts since Bruce Forsyth, who co-hosted with Tess until his retirement in 2013. Sir Bruce passed away in 2017. Josh has co-hosted The Last Leg alongside Alex Brooker and Adam Hills since 2012. Bosses hope Josh will replicate Claudia's comedic energy and help put contestants at ease, while Emma will steer the show. Emma began her career as an MTV presenter in 2002 and later hosted I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! NOW! She became a household name after hosting Big Brother on Channel 5 and The Voice UK on the BBC. She met Busted singer Matt Willis during her MTV stint, and they married in 2008. The couple has three children: Isabelle (16), Ace (14), and Trixie (10). They have also presented together on ITV2's I'm a Celebrity spin-off and hosted Netflix's UK version of Love is Blind.
Strictly 2026: Professional Dancers and Judges
The BBC has provided insight into what fans can expect for the 24th series. Returning professional dancers include Dianne Buswell, Nancy Xu, Vito Coppola, Julian Caillon, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Aljaž Škorjanec, Alexis Warr, and Kai Widdrington. They will be joined by new professional dancers yet to be announced. Departing dancers include Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Luba Mushtuk. The judging panel remains unchanged: Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton du Beke.
