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Tess Daly threw her support behind the new cast of Strictly Come Dancing as it launched with new hosts and five new professional dancers on Saturday night.
The presenter, 57, departed the show alongside her co-host Claudia Winkleman last year after 21 years.
Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Tess shared a picture of the new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe with the professional dancers and 15 celebrities.
She wrote: '@bbcstrictly Class of 26! So excited for tonight! And to finally be able to watch Strictly in flat shoes'.
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...'
Tess Daly threw her support behind the new cast of Strictly Come Dancing as it launched with new hosts and five new professional dancers on Saturday night
The presenter, 57, departed the show alongside her co-host Claudia Winkleman last year after 21 years
Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Tess shared a picture of the new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe with the professional dancers and 15 celebrities
'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.
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,'
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
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✨.'
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.
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.
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!'
LAWRENCE ROBB
AGE: 34
BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Mackenzie Boyd on ITV's Emmerdale
WHY STRICTLY?: 'I can't quite believe that I am going to be getting my dancing shoes on this September on one of my favourite shows of all time!'
JOHN NELLIS
AGE: 33
BEST KNOWN FOR?: Face of a popular football-focused YouTube channel
WHY STRICTLY?: 'I can't wait to meet everyone, learn a new skill and, hopefully, be much better at family parties by the end of it!'
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