New Strictly Come Dancing hosts Josh Widdicombe and Emma Willis have spoken out for the first time since being confirmed as replacements for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, with Josh admitting he feels 'scared' about certain aspects of the job. The trio, alongside Johannes Radebe, gave an interview on Emma's Radio 2 show, revealing their nerves, secrets, and excitement for the upcoming series.
First Joint Outing at Chelsea Flower Show
The three presenters had their first public outing together at the Chelsea Flower Show last week. Emma, 50, joked that Johannes, 39, was the biggest draw, comparing him to Brad Pitt. 'You are like the pollen and they are the bees, they just wanted to be around you,' she said, adding that if she wanted to avoid attention, she would 'just go out with JoJo'. Josh agreed, saying he had never felt so anonymous in his life. Johannes laughed, 'That's the power of Strictly.'
Keeping the Secret
The hosts revealed the lengths they went to in order to keep their new roles secret. Johannes admitted he lied to his close friend and former dance partner Annabel Croft, saying it 'really hurt' him. Emma only told one of her three children for fear they would blab, and didn't tell her parents at all. Josh didn't tell his children, Pearl and Cassius, calling them 'definite leaks'. When Emma finally revealed the truth, her children said, 'Mummy, we're so proud.'
Fears and Excitement
Josh, 42, confessed he is worried about the chemistry between the hosts and about sending couples home. 'I'm scared about telling people bad news,' he said. Johannes reassured him, calling the elimination process 'brutal' but necessary. Josh also joked about dressing as a different flightless bird each week, starting with a flamingo for the launch show.
Johannes on Dancing and the Judges
Johannes, who joined Strictly in 2018, said he will continue dancing despite his new role, promising to 'throw some shapes'. He named Craig Revel Horwood as a hard judge to love but said he respects his approval. He also revealed that all the pros, including former ones like Kevin Clifton and Oti Mabuse, have reached out to congratulate him.
Josh's Favourite Moments
Josh named Chris McCausland as his favourite former winner and praised Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice's 2021 performance, saying it made him cry more than any TV he has ever seen. Despite his lack of dance expertise, Josh insisted, 'We're not the experts, we're the man and woman in the street.'
The trio are set to co-host the show with equal billing when it returns in September. Emma, who also fronts The Voice and Love is Blind, said she can't wait to spend autumn and winter with her co-hosts every week.
