The worst-kept secret in showbiz is finally out: Strictly Come Dancing finally has its new hosts.

On Tuesday, the BBC announced in an Instagram post that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe would be stepping into the ballroom as the new hosts of Strictly when the show returns to our screens later this year.

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,” she continued. “I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter.

“I can’t wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and the judges. Fingers crossed for a 10 from them!”

Johannes also enthused: “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.

“To do it alongside the formidable Emma Willis and the utterly brilliant Josh Widdicombe makes it even more special. I’m ready-sequins, nerves, and all… please bear with me.”

Referencing his own brief stint in the ballroom two years ago, Josh said: “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.”

He added: “I adore Emma and Jojo and can’t wait to spend my weekends with them. I’ll dust off the penguin costume.”

Opening up about the casting process, executive producer Sarah James said the “combination of Emma, Josh, and Jojo was unexpected, but their magic was undeniable the moment they came together”.

She explained: “Emma brings a wealth of presenting experience and a natural warmth – she truly belongs in the ballroom and will guide our new celebrity cast through their Strictly journeys with love and care.

“Josh had us all in stitches with his unique style of self-deprecating humour and razor-sharp wit – and let’s not forget, he got a 10 from Anton in the Christmas Special, so I think he already considers himself a pro dancer…

“And then, there’s Jojo – a one-of-a-kind talent who’s been a beloved part of the Strictly family for eight years and will bring all his experience and knowledge to this new role – plus of course his legendary wardrobe!

“Most importantly, what truly shines through is the love and passion all three share for this show. That’s the key ingredient and we hope our audience will love them as much as we do.”

During last year’s series of Strictly, long-term hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they’d both be stepping down as its presenters at the end of the season.

In the months since, there has been widespread speculation in the media about who would be replacing the pair, with The Sun reporting in mid-May that Emma, Josh and Johannes would make up the new presenting team, now confirmed to be the case.

Following the announcement, Tess was quick to show the new team her support, commenting that she “can’t wait to tune in” and watch “the ultimate trio”.

Before her exit in 2025, Tess had been the host of Strictly since it launched in 2004, first co-presenting with Sir Bruce Forsyth and later with Claudia, who took over as its permanent full-time host in 2014.

Notably, this marked the first time in history that a presenting team made up of two women had fronted a live primetime show together.

Tess said last year: “This isn’t a goodbye to glitter, sequins, or Saturday night sparkle (I could never say goodbye to those!). Strictly will forever hold a special place in my heart – but it does feel like the right time to hand over the reins.”

Claudia also issued her own statement, in which she remarked: “Strictly is a magical, glittery, fake-tanned train and it’s been a privilege to be a tiny part of it. The extraordinary talent of the dancers, the band, the hair and makeup and costume teams, the unbelievable production crew and creatives – all utterly amazing.

“I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go and I know the new hosts will be magnificent, I look forward to watching them take Strictly to new heights.

“As for Tess – I’m so, so lucky I got to stand next to you. You’re funny, kind, whip smart and a true friend and I love you.”

In addition to its shiny new hosts, it seems the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing is going to look markedly different, with a slew of the show’s resident professional dancers confirming they will not be back on the show in 2026.