The next era of Strictly Come Dancing is set to look very different as the BBC prepares to introduce a new presenting team following the departure of long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe will take over hosting duties, creating a three-person presenting line-up for the popular ballroom competition. The decision marks one of the biggest changes in the show’s history after Daly and Winkleman became closely associated with Strictly over many years.

However, the new presenters face the difficult task of following a partnership that many viewers considered a defining part of the programme’s identity.

A new chapter after a familiar partnership

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman developed a strong on-screen chemistry during their time presenting the show.

Daly brought years of live television experience and a calm, polished style, while Winkleman became known for her distinctive humour, quick reactions and relaxed approach with contestants and professionals.

Their partnership helped shape the atmosphere of Strictly Come Dancing, with many fans seeing them as an essential part of the Saturday night experience.

Their departure means the BBC must now convince audiences that the show can maintain its warmth and entertainment value while moving in a new direction.

Emma Willis takes the lead role

Emma Willis has been chosen as the main anchor of the new presenting trio.

The television presenter already has extensive experience with live programmes and reality formats, having hosted shows including Big Brother and The Voice UK.

Supporters believe Willis has the professionalism and confidence needed to guide viewers through the competition, while also bringing a fresh energy to the series.

Her challenge will be balancing the traditional elegance of Strictly with her own personality as the show enters a new period.

Josh Widdicombe brings comedy to the ballroom

Comedian Josh Widdicombe will add a different dynamic to the presenting team.

Known for his quick wit and observational comedy, Widdicombe is expected to provide lighter moments and playful interaction with contestants.

However, some viewers have questioned whether his style will fit naturally into the glamorous world of Strictly Come Dancing, particularly given Claudia Winkleman’s unique brand of humour and her long-standing relationship with fans.

Johannes Radebe moves from the dance floor to the stage

The appointment of Johannes Radebe represents another major change.

The South African professional dancer has become one of the show’s most popular personalities during his time as a competitor and choreographer.

Moving into a presenting role allows him to bring first-hand knowledge of the competition, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes perspective that previous hosts could not provide.

Many fans have welcomed the decision, praising his warmth, personality and connection with the dancers.

However, the change also means viewers will no longer see Radebe compete as a professional dancer in the same way, creating mixed feelings among some fans.

Will the new trio recreate the Strictly magic?

The introduction of three hosts is a significant format change for a programme that has traditionally relied on a smaller presenting partnership.

Some industry observers believe the combination of Willis, Widdicombe and Radebe could give the show a fresh identity by combining experience, comedy and dance expertise.

Others remain cautious, arguing that replacing two presenters with such a strong legacy will be a difficult challenge.

The pressure will be especially high when the new team takes control of the live shows, where chemistry and timing are essential.

A changing Strictly era

The presenter shake-up is part of a wider period of change for Strictly Come Dancing, which has continued to evolve after more than two decades on BBC One.

While the programme remains one of Britain’s most popular entertainment shows, producers are looking for ways to keep it feeling current while protecting the elements that made it successful.

The new hosting team represents an attempt to combine familiarity with something different.

Whether Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe can create the same special connection with viewers that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman built over the years will become clear once the new series begins.

For now, the trio faces the biggest challenge of all: stepping onto the Strictly stage and proving that the show’s magic can continue into its next chapter.