The professional dancer is preparing to take the helm of the BBC One dance show alongside Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe
Strictly’s new host Johannes Radebe(Image: Heart Radio Instagram)
Johannes Radebe has been quizzed on how the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing will work after he was revealed as one of the programme’s three new hosts.
The professional dancer is preparing to take the helm of the BBC One dance show when it returns in September alongside presenter Emma Willis and comedian and TV star Josh Widdicombe.
The trio were selected to take over as the hosts of Strictly after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman left their long-running roles on the Saturday night entertainment favourite at the end of the 2025 series in December.
The new hosting line-up isn’t the only change to the upcoming series after professional dancers Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Marquez all confirmed their plans to leave the show as part of a big shake-up. They’ll be replaced by new professional dancers set to be revealed in due course.
But Johannes’ appointment to the hosting role came as a surprise to some, as it came after he was confirmed to be returning to the popular programme as part of the pro line-up.
Emma, Johannes and Josh were announced as the new Strictly hosts(Image: Ollie Dixon/@olliedixonphoto/BBC/PA Wire)
Speaking on Heart Breakfast to hosts Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston, the 39-year-old admitted landing the role was a “massive surprise” and that he is feeling both “nervous and excited” about it. He also said: “Did I see it coming like you said? No, I did not. So when I was offered the opportunity to come in for the chemistry test, I was like, ‘You know what?’. As my agent said, ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained!'”
It wasn’t long before he was asked about how the presenters would work, with it being the first time the show has had three people at the helm in its 22-year history. “No, we don’t know that, Jamie…” Johannes admitted. “Everything is in planning at the moment,” to which Amanda quipped: ” love that. That’s the top line the BBC have said to say!”
As Johannes laughed, the Britain’s Got Talent judge added: “I can smell that from the press office!” Johannes then added: “But that is the truth, isn’t it Amanda!”
When the announcement was made last month, Emma, 50, said she cannot “quite comprehend” that she has landed the prestigious co-presenting job, while Josh, 43, who took part in the 2024 Strictly Christmas special, said he feels “overawed” to now be fronting the programme.
Johannes, who has been a pro on Strictly Come Dancing since 2018, said he feels “deeply honoured” to have a new job on the programme. And speaking about the trio for the first time, Kate Phillips, the BBC’s chief content officer, said that their “chemistry is undeniable”.