The new Strictly Come Dancing hosts have made their debut as the BBC show returned with a revamped format, 15 celebrity contestants and a fresh presenting line-up.
Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe took over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who left the programme at the end of the 2025 series.
The trio welcomed judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke to the dance floor for the launch episode. Widdicombe admitted that appearing on the show was “a little bit overwhelming”, while Willis told viewers: “We cannot wait to spend the next 13 weeks with all of you.”
Willis received an enthusiastic response from viewers after opening the series in a glittering plunging dress, with fans describing her as “the goddess of British TV”.
But the decision to have three presenters prompted some confusion, with viewers questioning whether the show needed such a large presenting team.
One viewer wrote on X: “I love Emma, Jojo and Josh but it feels so odd without Tess and Claude, this is gonna take some getting used to.” Another asked: “I can’t understand why we need 3 presenters???”
Other reactions were more positive, including: “3 hosts are different but I love Emma Willis so happy she’s part of this.” One fan added: “Emma and Johannes have got this but Josh just does not fit.”
The new format does not assign the presenters fixed roles as direct replacements for Daly and Winkleman. Instead, Willis, Widdicombe and Radebe experimented with different combinations during the launch programme.
Strictly Come Dancing introduces new pairing format
In another change, the celebrity contestants were divided into groups of five and performed three specially choreographed routines before discovering their professional partners.
Dani Dyer, who withdrew early from last year’s competition after suffering an ankle injury, was reunited with Nikita Kuzmin. Actress Jaime Winstone was paired with Carlos Gu, while EastEnders star Lacey Turner was matched with Vito Coppola.
Gavin & Stacey actress Melanie Walters, the oldest celebrity in the series at 64, will dance with Aljaž Škorjanec, while Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey was partnered with Julian Caillon.
House of the Dragon actress Bethany Antonia chose to dance with a female professional and was paired with Nancy Xu. Antonia said seeing Nicola Adams and Katya Jones compete as an all-female couple in 2020 had been “life-changing” and had helped her during her coming-out journey.
Other pairings include former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips with Alexis Warr, Australian singer Delta Goodrem with Kai Widdrington, Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb with Jowita Przystał and skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker with new professional Mark Karmalita.
Willis marked her first Strictly programme with an emotional Instagram message, writing: “Week one… I guess it’s officially happening then. Dress on, game face ready and fully prepared for the glitter to take over… Strictly, let’s be having you✨”
Daly wished the new presenting team well before the programme aired, writing: “BBC Strictly class of 26! So excited for tonight! And to finally be able to watch Strictly in flat shoes”.
The launch episode was recorded the previous week. Strictly Come Dancing will continue with the first live show of series 24 on Saturday September 26.
