Strictly Come Dancing returns with new hosting trio of Emma Willis, Josh Widdecombe and former pro Johannes Radebe - but fans already ask 'why do we need three of them?'

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The new series of Strictly Come Dancing finally kicked off on Saturday night, with new hosts at the helm, a format shakeup and 15 nervous celebs.

Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe have taken over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who departed the BBC show at the end of the 2025 series.

The new trio joined the dance floor for the first ever time as they welcomed back judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.

Sharing his nerves, Josh said: 'It's a little bit overwhelming to be here but we are so excited...'

'We cannot wait to spend the next 13 weeks with all of you', Emma said.

Viewers at home hailed Emma 'the goddess of British TV' as she launched the series in a plunging glitzy dress.

While Emma went down a hit with fans, bemused fans asked 'why do we need three hosts' as they shared their verdict on social media.

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing finally kicked off on Saturday night, with new hosts at the helm, a format shakeup and 15 nervous celebs

Users wrote on X: 'i love emma, jojo and josh but it feels so odd without tess and claude, this is gonna take some getting used to',

'I can’t understand why we need 3 presenters???',

'3 hosts are different but I love emma willis so happy she’s part of this',

'Emma and Johannes have got this but Josh just does not fit #Strictly', 'Why does it need 3 presenters? It just doesn't work',

'Is it way too early to say I’m not sold on these hosts and I want Tess and Claud back? #strictly',

Emma marked her first ever Strictly show with an emotional post on Instagram, writing: 'Week one… I guess it’s officially happening then. Dress on, game face ready and fully prepared for the glitter to take over… Strictly, let’s be having you✨'

The launch show episode, pre-recorded last week, saw the new crop of celebrities find out who they will be dancing with for, potentially, 13 weeks as they vie for the Glitterball trophy.

The trio have taken over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman , who departed the BBC show at the end of the 2025 series

As the hosts previously explained, the new presenting format is fluid with no 'like for like' replacements for Claudia and Tess.

Instead, seasoned TV presenter Emma, comedian Josh and Strictly pro dancer Johannes tried out different combinations during the launch episode.

In another big change, the celeb contestants were split into groups of five to take part in three specially-choreographed dance routines to find out their partner.

Earlier this week new host Josh admitted filming the launch show episode had left him feeling wiped out.

The comic, 43, explained on the latest episode of his and Rob Beckett's Parenting Hell podcast, that he was left drained after filming the show on September 9.

Josh admitted: "I'm not very well. I don't want to go too graphic, but I've got stomach problems. I just keep nedding a p***, and I'm constipated, and I've got stomach pains.'

He added: "I'm not stressed, I'm tired.'

The launch also features a sizzling number introducing five new dancers: Lethabo Monametsi, Mark Karmalita, Maddie Ingoldsby, Aleksandra Isaeva and Cristian Priori

'Full disclosure, we've done the launch show of Strictly on Wednesday. It went well. The next day, I don't think I've ever been so tired in my life, and I still don't feel like I've fully recovered.'

'Admittedly, I had a show in Dublin the next day, then I came back, and then I had a full-on weekend of parenting.'

Strictly continues with the first live show of Series 24 on Saturday, September 26.

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2026: MEET THE CONTESTANTS

LACEY TURNER

AGE: 38

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Stacey Slater on BBC's EastEnders

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I'm so excited and terrified at the same time but I've had so many friends do Strictly and I thought it was about time that I plunked up the courage and made my way onto that dance floor.'

DELTA GOODREM

AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Played Nina Tucker in Neighbours and has released eight music albums

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career - from tv, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is however one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor!'

CACH MERCER

AGE: 25

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Won Love Island 2025 and is a TikTok influencer

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!'

DAME SARAH STOREY

AGE: 48

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Britain's most successful Paralympian

WHY STRICTLY?: 'Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.'

BETHANY ANTONIA

AGE: 28

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill.'

GRAEME 'THE DOGFATHER' HALL

AGE: 59

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Channel 5 series Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I have watched the show for years, so to be a part of it feels like a very exciting challenge, albeit more than a bit nerve-wracking!'

TABBY STOECKER

AGE: 25

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Olympic champion skeleton racer

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I’ve had the wildest year of my life so far, so to be rounding it off with a childhood dream of dancing in the Strictly ballroom is surreal and I can’t wait to get stuck in!'

MELANIE WALTERS

AGE: 64

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Gwen West in BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey

WHY STRICTLY?: 'Performing in Pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly ‘fix’ has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room.'

DANI DYER

AGE: 30

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Winning Love Island and being the daughter of actor Danny Dyer

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!'

CHRIS APPLETON

AGE: 43

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hairdresser to the stars - including Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience. I’ve always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new.'

WILL BEST

AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Big Brother and previously TV

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I’ve been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait!'

JAIME WINSTONE

AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Starring in films such as Kidulthood and Tomb Raider

WHY STRICTLY?: 'I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me.'

SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS

AGE: 44

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Footballer who played for the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City

WHY STRICTLY?: 'Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I’m super excited to get started and really looking forward to the challenge!'