The new Strictly Come Dancing host appears to have the seal of approval from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

Former Big Brother host Emma, 50, has revealed the sweet message she received from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman ahead of the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. Comedian Josh Widdicombe, 43, Strictly professional Johannes Radebe, 39, and Emma are the new trio confirmed to head up the Saturday night favourite in place of hosts Claudia and Tess.

Strictly returns to BBC One screens in September with an all-star line-up for series 24, and Emma has revealed that the pair have been nothing but supportive since she landed the job. “We’ve had a little back and forth, yes, and they were lovely”, Emma told The Sun. “They just said, ‘Congrats, well done, you’ll smash it’. And I was like, ‘S***!’ No tips. Just lots of kind words.”

Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe will be hosting Strictly (Image: BBC)

Tess, 57, and her co-host Claudia, 54, announced their joint decision to step down from the show in October 2025, bringing an end to her 21-year run on the BBC dance competition.

She had presented since the first series 21 years ago, while Claudia joined in 2014, having hosted Strictly’s sister show It Takes Two since 2004. Their final appearance came during the show’s Christmas special, which aired on December 25, 2025.

Ahead of the new look show, Emma has hinted that she and co-hosts Josh and Johannes have big plans. She added: “We will bring fun and joy – and that’s what the show is. It’s a big celebration of life and individuality.

“Hopefully we will continue to do it justice. It’s super, super important that we have full representation on screen. I think Strictly do it brilliantly.”

Strictly Come Dancing hosts Claudia and Tess quit in 2025 (Image: BBC/PA)

Emma, Josh, and Johannes will be joined in the ballroom by the esteemed judging panel, including Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Head Judge Shirley Ballas, who will be casting a watchful eye over the performances each week.

Strictly has already announced some of this year’s contestants, which include EastEnders icon Lacey Turner, who is famed for playing Stacey Slater in the BBC soap.

Dani Dyer is returning after fracturing her ankle during rehearsals just days before the first live show in 2025, giving her another chance to lift the glitterball trophy.

Singer and actress Delta Goodrem is also taking part, along with world-renowned conceptual hair stylist Chris Appleton.