New Strictly host Emma Willis hints fan-favourite Tess and Claudia ritual could be scrapped
Emma will host the BBC show next month with Josh Widdicombe and Johannes RadebeEmma Willis has revealed that preparations are under way for her Strictly Come Dancing hosting debut alongside Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe. The team has started holding production days and exploring how the three presenters will work together.
Speaking on Magic Radio Breakfast, Emma explained that they are testing who should handle different parts of the programme. The discussions could also lead to a new closing routine for the 2026 series.
Harriet Scott asked whether Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s familiar “keep dancing!” farewell might prove difficult with three hosts. Emma replied: “That is difficult with three.
“At the minute we’re having like loads of production days and we’re playing with who’s with who and how does it work. But I imagine we’ll need to have something!”
Her answer stopped short of confirming a new catchphrase. However, it suggests the presenters and production team are considering how Strictly’s final moments should work with an expanded line-up.
Emma Willis’ husband Matt Willis reveals secret Strictly casting process
Emma appeared on Magic Radio Breakfast with her husband, Busted singer Matt Willis. He described the lengths taken to keep her Strictly appointment confidential before the official announcement.
“In our house it was such a secret, the whole process was like casting the next Bond!” Matt said.
He added: “Secret addresses, turning up to studios that were blacked out, everything about it was so secretive. I was like this is so exciting!”
Emma said even they did not know where the process would take them. “We didn’t know where we were going – we were just put in a car,” she explained.
Now that preparations have started, the presenter said the job finally feels real. Emma added: “But I’m so excited. We’ve literally just started and now it feels real and I can’t wait, I’m getting all tingly!”
Why Strictly’s ‘keep dancing’ sign-off may change
Emma, Josh and Johannes will replace Tess and Claudia for the new series. The outgoing presenters traditionally signed off by saying “keep dancing” together while clasping hands and pretending to waltz.
The move to a three-presenter Strictly line-up means that two-person routine may not translate directly. Emma, Josh and Johannes could create a farewell that suits their own chemistry.
The production process remains at an early stage, with the team still testing how the presenters will share duties. Viewers may therefore have to wait until the launch show to discover whether “keep dancing” will survive the change.
A different ending would offer an immediate sign of how the trio plans to make its mark. It could also help establish their new dynamic while retaining Strictly’s familiar sense of fun.
Will Emma and Matt Willis continue hosting Love Is Blind UK?
Emma’s new Strictly role will not end her work with Matt on Love Is Blind UK. The couple have hosted the Netflix dating programme since 2024, and its third series arrived this week.
Netflix confirmed to Radio Times in May that Emma and Matt would continue presenting Love Is Blind UK. The confirmation addressed concerns that her Strictly commitments could force her to leave the streaming series.
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One next month with its launch show, giving viewers their first clear look at the new presenting dynamic.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in September.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI technology to synthesise source reporting and structured data. It has been reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by our human editorial team before publication.
