Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe landed Strictly host roles because ‘their chemistry was off the charts’, says Shirley Ballas

Strictly’s chief judge, Shirley Ballas, has given her verdict on the new hosts.

Emma Willis (50), Josh Widdicombe (43) and professional dancer Johannes Radebe (39), will take over from outgoing hosts Tess Daly, 57, And Claudia Winkleman, 54after a strict selection process.

Shirley revealed Emma and surprise signing Josh got the roles ‘because their chemistry was off the charts’.

He said in a new interview: ‘I think what the BBC has done is absolutely brilliant. Of course I worked with Emma and she is such a star, so calm, so beautiful, she keeps everything together. And there is only one Johannes in the whole world. I mean who wouldn’t want him somewhere in this trio?’

Shirley said she didn’t ‘know Josh very well’ and only spoke to him properly on Good Morning Britain this week.

No stranger to the show, Josh appeared dressed as a penguin in the 2024 Christmas Special, where he danced alongside pro Karen Hauer, who will not be returning for the upcoming series.

Josh becomes the first man to join the program since Bruce Forsyth, proving that a huge void can be filled.

shirley said Mirror: ‘I think it will be fresh and interesting. It looks like the chemistry between Josh and Emma was off the charts. So I believe this is the case.

‘They had chemistry beyond chemistry, so I trust the process and the producers. They didn’t rush, they didn’t rush this decision. ‘I know people make decisions before they even see the results, but for me this is a dream team.’

The news was confirmed on Strictly’s official Instagram page on Tuesday, with the trio teaming up for a photoshoot.

The headline read: ‘Official… September 2026.’

In the video, Emma and Johannes kissed each other on the cheek as they sat on stools before Josh was invited to join them.

Emma said of her new role: ‘It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Strictly; I’ve cheered and danced on my couch for years; “So stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite understand,” he said.

‘It is impossible to fill the shoes left behind by Tess and Claudia; two wonderful, iconic women who have long been the beating heart of Strictly.

Shirley reveals Emma and surprise signing Josh got the parts because ‘their chemistry was off the charts’

‘Hopefully we can help steer the ship into this new chapter as beautifully as they do.’

He added: ‘I can’t wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and judges. I got a 10 out of them!’

Josh, who is a fan of the show, said he was ‘giddy with excitement’ to win a presenting slot.

‘Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin in the 2024 Christmas Special remains the absolute highlight of my career, so I’m giddy with excitement, honored and a little intimidated to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes on television,’ he said.

‘I love Emma and Jojo and can’t wait to spend my weekends with them. ‘I’ll dust off your penguin costume.’

Johannes said being given the opportunity to host was ‘beyond anything I could have ever dreamed of’.

He said the long-running show ‘has always represented joy, heart and togetherness’ and that he was ‘so honored to help carry that magic forward.’

He added: ‘Doing this alongside the amazing Emma Willis and the brilliant Josh Widdicombe makes it even more special.

‘I’m ready, sequins, nerves and all…please bear with me.’

Emma became the first of a trio signed by BBC bosses after the shortlist of presenters underwent chemistry reads and screen tests over the last few weeks.

Last week Josh emerged as the shock favorite to host the BBC dance show alongside Emma after impressing bosses.

Johannes, one of Strictly’s best-loved professional dancers and has been on the show since 2018, will take on the presenting role for the first time.

Johannes, who was partnered with Alex Kingston last year, will participate in group dances, but he will not have a celebrity partner this year as he will take on the role of a traveling reporter.

The South African dancer has quickly become a fan favorite for her flashy routines and outgoing personality and is currently starring in Kinky Boots on the West End stage.

He’s certainly the show’s breakout star, appearing in an episode of Doctor Who and competing on Celebrity MasterChef.

In 2023, he published his memoir Jojo: Finally Home, which became a bestseller.

A number of high-profile names were in the running to land one of the roles, including Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark and Angela Scanlon.

Zoe, who has been a BBC stalwart for more than 30 years, recently opened up about her “sadness” at not getting the part after auditioning.

He was considered one of the top candidates thanks to his presentation in the series It Takes Two, which ran from 2011 to 2021, and his popularity among the public.

“I don’t get it, but that’s okay,” he said on an episode of the Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley.

‘I have gone through the seven stages of grief and rejection in the last few days.’