Strictly Come Dancing is facing another shake-up as the BBC show will welcome five new professional dancers amid a mass exodus. Just yesterday, it was confirmed that presenter Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe, and comedian Josh Widdicombe would make up the three hosts following Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's decision to step down.
Head judge Shirley Ballas revealed she had no idea there was going to be a third person joining the show, but she was thrilled to see all three of them leading the programme. "I met Josh for the first time this week, he's a charming chap. Emma, of course, I did Cooking With The Stars with – that's a seasoned presenter and just a gorgeous lady. And who doesn't love some Johannes? We all love him. It's going to be interesting because we thought we were getting two but we ended up with three," she said.
Returning and Departing Professionals
So far, it has been confirmed that a number of pro dancers will be returning, including Dianne Buswell, Julian Caillon, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Aljaž Škorjanec, Alexis Warr, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, and Vito Coppola. Despite shock exits for several pro dancers, including Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas, a new set of five stars will replace the departed dancers.
"I think everybody is going to enjoy the new series. We got five new professionals coming in, some fantastic dancers. All in all, it's having tweaks left, right and centre and it's getting a new face!" Shirley told The Sun.
New Hosts Share Their Excitement
Emma, Josh, and Johannes previously opened up about their new presenting roles on the show after much speculation. Emma said, "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."
Josh added: "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. I adore Emma and Jojo and can't wait to spend my weekends with them. I'll dust off the penguin costume."
Johannes shared: "To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined. This show has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward."
