'Just not the same!' Strictly 2026 fans divided as new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe make their debuts

The new series launched tonight
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By Robert Emlyn Slater

Strictly fans have delivered their verdicts on new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe as they made their debut on tonight’s show (Saturday, September 19).

The trio replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who left the programme at the end of last year.

Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe on Strictly
Josh, Emma, and Johannes are the new hosts (Credit: BBC)

Strictly hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe make their hosting debut

Tonight’s show saw Emma, Josh, and Johannes make their hosting debut on the show.

The new series kicked off with a spectacular dance number, filmed outside the studio, featuring the old pros, the new pros, the judges, the celebrities, last year’s winner Karen Carney, and, of course, new hosts Emma, Josh, and Johannes.

The new hosts even got a chance to show off their dance moves.

In the studio, Emma, Josh, and Johannes then kicked things off by introducing the new series and gushing over their new roles.

Though Josh admitted it was “overwhelming” being the new hosts, they couldn’t be more excited to front the show over the next 13 weeks.

The celebrities and new hosts of Strictly 2026
The fans delivered their verdict (Credit: BBC)

Strictly fans deliver their verdict on the new hosts

Taking to X, fans delivered their verdict on the new hosts. Some fans were not convinced.

“Never thought I’d say this, but I miss Tess…,” one fan tweeted. “This is honestly the most weirdest choice of hosts they could choose; I’m sorry…,” another wrote.

“This is just not the same! I miss Tess and Claudia,” a third said. “Why do we need 3 presenters?” another added.

Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe on Strictly
Fans were loving the new hosts! (Credit: BBC)

Fans gush over Emma, Josh, and Johannes

However, there was plenty of love for the new hosts online.

“I LOVE IT SM ALREADY,” one fan tweeted. “Emma Willis is honestly super impressing me. Like the natural successor to Tess for sure!” another wrote.

“Loving the 3 new presenters, let them get into their stride!” a third gushed. “I love these 3,” another said.

“Give them a chance on #Strictly; change is difficult, but it’s early days,” another fan urged. 

Read more: Karen Hauer admits she ‘doesn’t miss’ Strictly following axe

Strictly continues next Saturday (September 26) from 6.15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.