Emma Willis could find herself competing against herself on Saturday nights this autumn if she signs up to present Strictly Come Dancing while continuing as host of The Voice. The 50-year-old presenter has completed try-outs for the BBC ballroom show and is expected to finalise a deal by the end of the month, with the job reportedly “hers to refuse”.
However, ITV has already guaranteed a slot for the 14th series of The Voice this autumn, which was pre-recorded in 2024. This means the two rival entertainment shows, which overlap for up to an hour each weekend, would both air with the same presenter at the same time. An insider said: “Having the same presenter going up against herself on Saturday night primetime in the autumn is not ideal. But if that is what happens there’s not much can be done about it.”
Willis has hosted The Voice since 2014, first on BBC1 and then on ITV from 2017. The upcoming series was pre-recorded and no decision has been made about her involvement in a potential 15th series. The show typically airs in ITV’s 8pm slot on Saturday nights, while Strictly begins earlier, between 6.30pm and 7.30pm, leading to the overlap.
Willis auditioned alongside seven other potential presenters for the main host role on Strictly, formerly held by Tess Daly. Likely contenders to replace Claudia Winkleman for the post-performance chats include Rylan Clark, Josh Widdicombe, and Alex Jones. Zoe Ball and Alison Hammond have ruled themselves out, while Bradley Walsh, Miranda Hart, Amanda Holden, Alan Carr, and Holly Willoughby were reportedly never seriously considered.
The Voice has seen audience highs of 6 million in 2018, but the last series dipped below 3 million live viewers. Meanwhile, Strictly has maintained strong ratings. The upcoming series of The Voice will feature coaches will.i.am, Sir Tom Jones, Danny Jones, Tom Fletcher, and Kelly Rowland, replacing Leann Rimes.
