Strictly Come Dancing: New Hosts, New Format, New Odds

What's happened

Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe have begun hosting Strictly Come Dancing 2026. The launch shows introduced the new lineup and the three-dance reveal process for pairing celebrities with pros. Bookmakers have adjusted odds as performances unfold and new faces adapt to the series’ updated format.

What's behind the headline?

Analysis

• The launch shows confirm a significant hosting change and a new pairing process, signaling a broader strategic shift for Strictly Come Dancing. The three-dance reveal creates immediacy and audience involvement, while the fresh host trio signals a new on-screen dynamic.
• Bookmakers’ odds updates reflect early sentiment about contestants, suggesting bettors are weighing the new pros and celebrity pairings differently than in previous seasons.
• The absence of the long-standing duo may affect viewer loyalty; however, the live shuffle and rapid pairings could boost engagement by offering fresh chemistry and storytelling opportunities.
• Readers should watch for how the new format handles scoring and narrative pacing in upcoming episodes, which will reveal whether the changes sustain audience interest over the season.

How we got here

The 2026 Strictly Come Dancing series marks a major overhaul, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe stepping in as hosts after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman departed. The show has introduced a three-dance launch sequence to determine celebrity-pro pairings, replacing the traditional partner reveal.

Our analysis

Independent reports on the BBC launch and bookmaker odds; The Scotsman coverage of the new presenting team and initial show performances; BBC broadcast recap of the launch night and partner reveals.

Go deeper

• How have viewers reacted to the new hosts so far?
• Which celebrity-pro pairings stand out after the launch?
• What changes do bookmakers anticipate as the season progresses?

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