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Rylan Clark has responded to the announcement that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe will serve as the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing.
Clark was among the names who were rumoured to be replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on the show after it was announced that the beloved hosts would be standing down at the end of last year.
Confirming that he had been in “the race” on Tuesday (19 May), Clark offered his “biggest congrats” to Willis, Widdicombe and Radebe on his official Instagram account.
“This wasn’t my time sadly but am extremely grateful to even have been considered,” he said. “Genuinely looking forward to the new series with you three x.”
He also joked that he was “taking the news well” and showed a video of him breaking down in tears on The X Factor back in 2012, when Nicole Scherzinger told him that he was going through to the live shows.
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It was confirmed that the trio would be taking over as the new presenters of Strictly Come Dancing earlier today.
The Voice and former Big Brother presenter Willis said she is a “huge fan” of the show, adding: “To be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend.”
The Last Leg comedian Widdicombe said he is “giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television”.
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Strictly professional favourite Radebe added: “To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined.”
The trio will head out onto the Strictly dance floor for the first time in their new hosting capacities later this year.
Read more:
- Eurovision 2026 crowns winner of 70th Song Contest
- Strictly Come Dancing 2026 tipped to cast British comedian opposite Emma Willis in hosting duties
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Authors
Molly Moss is a Trends Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest trends across TV, film and more. She has an MA in Newspaper Journalism and has previously written for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Sun Online.
