After 14 years of Claudia and Tess – the verdict is in on their replacements
Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe made their Strictly debut(Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing is officially back – and this year’s launch show has already seen viewers talking about one major change away from the dance floor. As the new series got underway, fans were introduced to a very different presenting line-up, with Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe taking over from much-loved hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
The trio made their debut during tonight’s launch show, marking a major new chapter for the BBC dancing competition.
While there have already been a number of changes to this year’s series, from the professional dancers to the way the celebrities are paired up, the change at the helm of the show could prove to be the biggest shake-up of all.
Tess and Claudia had been part of Strictly Come Dancing since the programme launched in 2004, before going on to front the show together for the last 14 years.
Their departure last year therefore brought an end to one of the most familiar presenting partnerships on British television, with Emma, Johannes and Josh now tasked with stepping into their shoes.
And viewers were quick to make their feelings known as the new presenting trio took to the ballroom.
There was certainly no shortage of opinions, with some fans questioning whether three presenters was the right choice for the programme.
One viewer took to X (formally Twitter) to write: “Johannes and Josh just look like spare parts #strictly”
Another said: “3 presenters is making this too clunky and awkward. It’s like a bad Eurovision presenting team. #Strictly”
A third viewer was particularly critical of Johannes’ new role, writing: “@BBC you can fix this, please drop Johannes from the presenting role. He is not presenting material and has no experience.”
And for some fans, the return of Strictly only served as a reminder that Tess and Claudia were no longer at the helm. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
One viewer wrote: “So happy my favourite programme is back on tv ha ha. I do miss Tess & Claudia tho!! They were so fab!! #Strictly”
However, the reaction was far from universally negative. Emma Willis received plenty of praise from viewers who were already enjoying her presence on the show.
One fan declared: “Emma Willis was the absolute perfect choice for this show, #Strictly in such safe hands”.
Another was equally enthusiastic, posting: “I’m so hyped for this series oh my god the new hosts are actually fab #strictly”.
The new presenters themselves appeared well aware of the enormity of the task they had taken on as they opened the show.
Emma admitted she was feeling overwhelmed by the opportunity, telling viewers: “I’m out of breath, never in a million years did I ever think I would get to dance with Strictly pros.”
Johannes then reflected on the unexpected nature of the new presenting team, saying: “And I definitely never thought it would be the three of us standing in this spot.”
Josh was quick to respond with a joke, telling Johannes: “I’ll be honest, not many people did, Johannes! Alright, that got more of a laugh than I was hoping, but there we go.”
He then acknowledged the significance of the moment, adding: “It’s a little bit overwhelming to be here, but we are so delighted.”
Emma went on to tell the audience: “It is our genuine honour to be here, and we cannot wait to spend the next 13 weeks with all of you. 13 weeks!”
The launch show also gives viewers their first proper look at how the new-look Strictly will work, following a number of changes behind the scenes and among the professional line-up.
But it is undoubtedly the presenting team that has provided the biggest talking point so far.
