Strictly Come Dancing's new presenters Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe have arrived at BBC studios in London for an official series photoshoot and their first dance rehearsals alongside the celebrity contestants for the 2026 series.
The hosting duo flashed excited grins as they stepped out together on Thursday, marking their first official day on set following major executive changes to the flagship BBC One ballroom show. Willis, 50, known for hosting Big Brother and The Voice UK, wore an androgynous outfit featuring a cropped, unbuttoned waistcoat layered over a sleeveless shirt and trousers. She paired the look with her signature cropped hair slicked back, thin wired glasses, and minimal make-up. Radebe, 39, a fan-favourite South African professional dancer who joined the show in 2018, is taking on a presenting role after years on the dancefloor. He arrived in a slick white jumper accessorised with a gold bracelet, matching necklace, Gucci handbag, and matching loafers.
The presenting line-up shake-up began in October when long-serving host Tess Daly caused shockwaves by announcing her departure after 21 years on the programme. Co-host Claudia Winkleman, who fronted the show alongside Daly for 15 years after previously presenting spin-off It Takes Two, also stepped down. Following months of speculation, producers announced in May that Willis and Radebe would join comedian Josh Widdicombe to form a new hosting trio, coming after a bloodbath among the roster of professional dancers, from which Radebe was previously drawn.
Cast backlash and line-up criticism
Strictly Come Dancing remains one of the BBC's most popular entertainment broadcasts, drawing millions of weekend viewers, with its professional dancers rapidly becoming household names. However, despite the excitement surrounding the new presenting team, this year's celebrity line-up has faced mounting criticism, with some commentators branding the cast the worst to date. Critics argue that the professional dancers are now significantly better known than the celebrities they are set to partner.
The most established names in the 2026 cast include reality television star Dani Dyer, who won Love Island in 2018, Australian singer and former Neighbours actress Delta Goodrem, film actress Jaime Winstone, television presenter Will Best, and Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters. Nevertheless, several additions have left traditional television audiences bewildered. Internet creator John has 15.7 million YouTube subscribers but does not have a Wikipedia page. Similarly, celebrity hair stylist Chris boasts 4 million Instagram followers through his work with Kim Kardashian, yet lacks widespread household recognition.
Show producers specifically selected contestants with massive digital followings in a deliberate strategy to attract younger viewers. However, reaction on official social media channels has been skeptical, with numerous loyal fans commenting to ask who the celebrities are rather than expressing anticipation for the upcoming series. Contestants nevertheless appeared in high spirits upon arrival at the London studios. Dyer opted for a skintight co-ord and trainers for rehearsals, while Goodrem and Winstone were photographed arriving together.
Audience demographics and US strategy
The casting strategy highlights an ongoing effort by show bosses to engage Gen Z viewers, aged 14 to 29. However, current viewing statistics reveal that the core audience remains substantially older. The vast majority of Strictly viewers are Generation X, aged 46 to 61, and Baby Boomers, aged 62 to 80.
Demographic data indicates that approximately 60 per cent of the total audience is aged 55 or older, placing the average viewer age firmly in the mid-50s and above. To bridge this generational gap, BBC producers appear to be adopting tactics from American counterpart Dancing With The Stars. The US series successfully boosted engagement among younger demographics by introducing a dedicated TikTok Night last year, featuring routines set to viral online trends. Dancing With The Stars currently has more than 5 million followers on TikTok, compared to 670,000 for Strictly Come Dancing. Dance rehearsals for the new UK series are now underway.
