Tess Daly Reacts To Strictly Come Dancing’s New Hosts

Tess Daly has shown her support for her Strictly Come Dancing successors.

On Tuesday afternoon, it was announced that TV personality Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and former Strictly pro Johannes Radebe would be taking over at the helm of the BBC dance show, following Tess and co-host Claudia Winkleman’s departures last year.

The news was revealed in an Instagram post, with Tess immediately popping up in the comments.

Giving the new team her personal seal of approval, she commented that she “can’t wait to tune in” and see “the ultimate trio” in action.

Reposting the video on her own Instagram page, she added: “The secret’s out and it’s a good one – what a dream team!”

Tess and Claudia stepped down from Strictly in the middle of last year’s season, and presented their final show together in December 2025.

Prior to that, Tess had been with the long-running reality show since its launch, first co-presenting with the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, until 2014, when Claudia took over as one of Strictly’s resident full-time hosts.

Announcing her exit last year, Tess told her Instagram followers: “After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing.

“It’s hard to put into words what this show has meant to me, so here goes… Strictly has been more than just a television programme. It’s felt like having a third child, a second family, and a huge part of my life since that very first show back in 2004. I knew then it was something special, but I could never have imagined the magic it would bring.

“Strictly has always been about joy, celebration, and bringing people together – and I’m so proud to have played a small part in something that continues to mean so much to so many.”

“This isn’t a goodbye to glitter, sequins, or Saturday night sparkle (I could never say goodbye to those!),” she added. “Strictly will forever hold a special place in my heart – but it does feel like the right time to hand over the reins.”

Strictly Come Dancing will be back on BBC One later this year.