Emma Willis said to be new host of Strictly as co-host rumours fly
Topics: Strictly Come Dancing, Emma Willis, Claudia Winkleman, BBC, TV And Film, Celebrity
Madison Burgess
Featured Image Credit: Joseph Okpako/WireImage
Topics: Strictly Come Dancing, Emma Willis, Claudia Winkleman, BBC, TV And Film, Celebrity
Emma Willis is reportedly set to become the new host of Strictly Come Dancing, following the shock departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman last year.
Tess, 57, and Claudia, 54, had become synonymous with the BBC show, having fronted it on our screens for over a decade as a duo.
They officially signed off in December 2025, having announced they were leaving two months earlier.
“We were always going to leave together, and now feels like the right time," the pair wrote in a joint statement on Instagram at the time.
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Since then, the rumour mill has been having a field day with who will step into their shoes - whether that be two new hosts or one.
A number of celebrity names have been flying around, as have reports of ‘chemistry tests’ and talks with BBC bosses.
But now, according to The Sun, Willis has been offered the Strictly gig and is ‘absolutely thrilled to have accepted.
A source told the publication: “Emma has been offered the Strictly job and is going to accept. She absolutely nailed the chemistry tests, and the BBC adore her.
“Emma is a household name and a safe pair of hands so the BBC know she will do the job justice. “She’s incredibly popular with the public too and will suit the role down to a tee.”
The source added: “She was absolutely thrilled to have been offered the job.
“Strictly is one of the biggest shows on television and to be trusted with the new era is something Emma feels incredibly proud and humbled by.”
Willis has an impressive entertainment career under her belt, hosting huge shows like Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother, The Voice UK, and Netflix's Love Is Blind: UK
Insiders also claimed to the publication that Zoe Ball, 55, is expected to join Emma, 50, as the second half of the presenting duo, although neither women have been confirmed yet by the BBC.
A source told the outlet, “Emma is seen as the Tess of the duo. Her background in live - and occasionally tense - broadcasting situations means she can handle anything that is thrown at her.
“Zoe and her really clicked, and it’s looking likely that Zoe will take on the role Claudia held in the auditorium with the celebs and the pro’s."
The source added: “The BBC are excited about how their new look Strictly is coming together and think the public will agree.”
Ball is a trailblazing female broadcaster who made history as the first female host of the Radio 1 and Radio 2 breakfast shows.
Meanwhile, a BBC Spokesperson told Tyla: "Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course."
Reacting to the rumours, social media users wrote on X: "If it’s Zoe and Emma, that’s a stellar few choices! Spot on replacements, let’s hope!" and "I'd be very happy with this pairing!"
A third wrote: "Emma Willis is a big yes for me. She’s warm, personable and fun. A great fit. For me, Zoe Ball wouldn’t be right, but we’ll see."
And a fourth added: "f it's true her and Zoe will make a good pair. Both seasoned professionals are able to handle a big show like Strictly and both are likeable."
Tyla has contacted representatives for Willis and Ball for comment.