Tonight marks a pivotal moment for Strictly Come Dancing as the first live show of Series 24 begins at 6:15 PM on BBC One. For the first time in the competition’s history, the broadcast will be led by a trio of presenters—Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe—following the departure of long-term hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Daly and Winkleman stepped down at the conclusion of the 2025 series, ending a 14-year tenure that defined the show’s modern era. Their exit prompted the BBC to overhaul the hosting dynamic, moving away from the traditional duo format in favor of a three-person team. While the new presenters were officially introduced during a pre-recorded launch show on September 19, tonight’s broadcast is the first live test of their chemistry and management of the high-energy ballroom atmosphere.
The transition has caused significant shifts across the BBC’s Saturday schedule. Emma Willis, a veteran presenter of The Voice and Big Brother, is being covered on her BBC Radio 2 slot today by comedian Ellie Taylor while she prepares for the live show. Taylor is also taking on a prominent new role within the franchise, replacing Janette Manrara and Fleur East as the lead host of the daily companion show, Strictly: It Takes Two.
The move to a “trio” format is a significant experimental shift for the series. Industry analysis suggests that a three-person lineup presents unique challenges for live timing and “passing the baton” during interviews, a task previously handled by the well-established rhythm of Daly and Winkleman. The inclusion of Johannes Radebe, a former professional dancer on the show, alongside comedian Josh Widdicombe and the “seasoned” Willis, is intended to balance technical expertise with lighthearted entertainment.
In a recent interview regarding the new roles, the hosting team discussed the secrecy involved in the casting process and the pressure of stepping into one of television’s most high-profile roles.
As the 2026 series enters its live phase, the primary focus for viewers remains on whether the new hosting structure can maintain the show’s fundamental pacing. While Willis has been widely regarded as a natural successor due to her extensive live experience, the three-way dynamic remains an untested variable that will be scrutinized as the first scores of the season are handed out tonight.
