New Strictly Come Dancing presenters tipped to take part in huge opening number for 2026 launch

Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe have reportedly been rehearsing a routine of their own.

Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe stood in a row in front of a purple backdrop, all smiling ahead as they pose for a photo together.

BBC/Ray Burmiston

Published: Monday, 24 August 2026 at 11:40 am

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Strictly Come Dancing's new presenting trio could be strutting their way onto the ballroom floor themselves when the 2026 series launches next month.

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Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, who were confirmed in May as the show's first ever trio of hosts, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, are tipped to take part in a big opening number for the launch show, according to The Sun.

Radio Times has approached the BBC for comment.

Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe sat down next to each other, all laughing as they hold glitterballs.

Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe for Strictly Come Dancing. BBC/Ray Burmiston

According to the report, the trio are said to be learning a dance routine ahead of the series, with it marking a notable break from tradition. In their tenure, Daly and Winkleman largely left the dancing to the celebrities and professionals during their long stint fronting the BBC One favourite.

Radebe brings genuine dancing pedigree to the line-up as a long-serving Strictly professional and firm fan favourite. Willis is best known for presenting The Voice UK, Big Brother and Love Is Blind UK, whilst comedian Widdicombe is a regular on panel shows and podcasts.

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The BBC has said this is the first time the show will be fronted by three presenters at once. When the appointment was announced, the shake-up was widely seen as one of the biggest changes to Strictly in years, with many keen to see whether the new line-up will bring with it a breath of fresh air to the long-running series.

Radebe has already spoken about the experience of joining forces with his new co-hosts, while all three have admitted to some nerves ahead of taking on one of the biggest jobs on British television.

The 2026 launch show is reported to air on Saturday 19 September, with the first live show following the week after on 26 September. The launch episode traditionally reveals which celebrities have been paired with which professional dancers before the live competition begins.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Morgan Cormack, smiling against a lime green background

Morgan CormackDrama Writer

Morgan Cormack is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering everything drama-related on TV and streaming. She previously worked at Stylist as an Entertainment Writer. Alongside her past work in content marketing and as a freelancer, she possesses a BA in English Literature.

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