Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe on stage in Kinky Boots(Image: Getty Images)
Johannes Radebe has been seen breaking down in tears on stage, where he is currently performing in the musical Kinky Boots, as the cast congratulated him on becoming one of the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing.
The professional dancer was confirmed by the BBC to be returning to the hit dance show this year in the pro dancer line-up. However, on Tuesday (May 19), it was confirmed he will in fact be hosting the popular programme alongside presenter Emma Willis and comedian Josh Widdicombe.
After months of speculation over who would be replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the helm after they decided to step back from their long-running roles at the end of the 2025 series, the BBC confirmed Emma, Josh and Johannes will host the show as a trio, a first for the popular programme in its 22-year history.
The news was shared on the show’s Instagram page with the caption: “It’s official…September 2026.” And hours after the announcement, the cast of Kinky Boots – in which Johannes plays drag queen Lola until – gathered for the curtain call before Matt Cardle told the crowd his co-star’s new job and handed him flowers, which made Johannes cry.
In a TikTok video, The X Factor 2010 winner Matt, 43, said: “Today, we officially announce that Johannes will be stepping into an incredibly exciting new role, as the presenter of the next series of Strictly Come Dancing!”
As the audience cheered, Matt then shared some touching words about Johannes, which left him overcome with emotion. He said: “Being yourself is your greatest strength. We know the audience across the country will fall in love with you even more, just as all of us who know you have already done that.” As the audience applauded, Matt added: “We are so proud of you!”
Johannes – who has been a pro on the programme since 2018 – said he feels “deeply honoured” to have landed the hosting job in a statement shared alongside the announcement.
He said: “To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined. This show has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward. To do it alongside the formidable Emma Willis and the utterly brilliant Josh Widdicombe makes it even more special. I’m ready-sequins, nerves, and all…please bear with me. Love Jojo.”
Emma, meanwhile, said she cannot “quite comprehend” that Strictly bosses picked her for the hotly contested role. She said: “It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Strictly – I’ve cheered and danced along from my sofa for years – so to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend.
Josh, Emma and Johannes were announced as the new Strictly hosts ahead of the 2026 series(Image: Ray Burmiston/BBC/PA Wire)
“It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind – two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long. I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter. I can’t wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and the judges. Fingers crossed for a 10 from them!”
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Josh, who took part in the 2024 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special, also shared how he felt “overawed” to now be co-fronting the programme.
The comic added: “Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly remains my career high point, so I am giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television. I adore Emma and Jojo and can’t wait to spend my weekends with them. I’ll dust off the penguin costume.”
