Tess Daly reveals her reaction after Strictly Come Dancing 2026 presenters unveiled at last

Former Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly has reacted to the all-new presenter line-up.

Broadcaster Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe were announced as the show’s new hosts on Tuesday (19 May), with the switch up taking place after Tess and Claudia announced they would be standing down at the end of last year.

The news was announced in an Instagram post on the official BBC Strictly Instagram account, with Daly sharing her congratulations in the comments.

“Can’t wait to tune in 😍 the ultimate trio,” she wrote.

The former presenter also shared the video on her Instagram Stories and wrote: “The secret’s out and it’s a good one – what a dream team!”

Speaking in a statement about her new role, Willis told viewers that she’s a “huge fan” of the show, adding: “To be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend.”

Widdicombe added that he is “giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television”.

Radebe added: “To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined.”

Daly and Winkleman announced they would be leaving Strictly back in October, writing in a statement on Instagram: “We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time.

“We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show. They’re the most brilliant team and we’ll miss them every day.

“We will cry when we say the last ‘keep dancing’ but we will continue to say it to each other. Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza. Tess & Claud.”

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

Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on catch-up on BBC iPlayer.

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