Wednesday, September 16, 2026 - Emma Willis has opened up about the pressure of stepping into the spotlight on Strictly Come Dancing after the departure of longtime presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
Willis, who joins professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe as part of the show's new three-presenter line-up, admitted that taking on such a high-profile role is “really daunting.” The trio will front the BBC show when the new series launches on September 19.
Rather than trying to recreate the previous presenting partnership, Willis and her new co-hosts are expected to bring a different dynamic to the programme.
The presenters have said there are no fixed individual roles between them yet, with the production team experimenting with how the three will work together on screen. Willis has also acknowledged that comparisons with Winkleman and Daly are inevitable as viewers adjust to the major change.
With the launch now just days away, attention is firmly on whether the new trio can establish their own identity while keeping the energy viewers expect from Strictly. Willis brings substantial live-TV experience from shows including The Voice UK and Big Brother, while Radebe adds years of experience as a Strictly professional.
Their debut marks a significant new chapter for the programme, and audiences will soon get their first full look at how the new hosting team handles the pressure.
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