The upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing is set to dazzle with a fresh lineup of hosts, including television presenter Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and professional dancer Johannes Radebe. The trio recently gathered for intensive rehearsals, learning a dance routine as they prepared for their new roles on the beloved BBC ballroom competition. Behind-the-scenes glimpses shared on social media revealed the hosts diving into their preparations, with Widdicombe posting a series of candid moments from their London sessions.
New Era for Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly Come Dancing is ushering in a significant new chapter with a revamped hosting team. Emma Willis, known for her work on shows like Big Brother and The Voice UK, will be joined by comedian Josh Widdicombe, a popular figure in British comedy, and Johannes Radebe, a fan-favorite professional dancer from the show itself. This new ensemble takes the helm following the departures of long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Widdicombe shared his excitement on Instagram, posting photos of the new hosts immersed in their work. One image captured a focused Willis, seemingly deep in concentration while enjoying a caffeinated beverage during a dance practice. Another showed the three hosts reviewing scripts, hinting at the collaborative effort behind the scenes. Widdicombe captioned the post, “Lovely couple of days in London prepping and learning a dance with these legends. Oh my, not long now…”
Key Dates for the New Season
Fans eager for the return of Strictly Come Dancing have a confirmed launch date and a schedule of key events for the upcoming series:
- First Show Air Date: September 19. This inaugural episode will feature the grand reveal of the celebrity contestants and their professional dance partners.
- Pre-recorded Premiere: The first episode is pre-recorded, setting the stage for the competition.
- Live Shows Begin: The following week, on September 26, the first live show will commence. This marks the initial opportunity for the celebrity and professional pairings to perform for the judges and the public.
- First Elimination: The first couple to be eliminated from the competition will be announced after the second weekend of live performances and public voting, on October 4.
- Season Finale: The grand final, where the winning couple will be crowned, is scheduled to take place on December 19, just days before Christmas.
Ellie Taylor Takes the Reins of ‘It Takes Two’
In addition to the main show’s hosting changes, the popular spin-off program, Strictly: It Takes Two, will also have a new face at the helm. Former contestant Ellie Taylor has been confirmed as the new host of the behind-the-scenes show. Taylor, a comedian and actress, shared the exciting news during an appearance on Emma Willis’s BBC Radio 2 show.
Willis announced Taylor’s new role during a special “Strictly segment” on her radio program, expressing her delight. “With me right now is the brand new host of It Takes Two! Mystery host of It Takes Two…” Willis teased before revealing Taylor.
Taylor expressed her overwhelming joy and giddiness at the appointment. “I am over the moon! I feel giddy. So nice to get the secret out. I’ve had the theme tune in my head since I found out… I was like ‘stop it woman!'” she exclaimed. Recalling her experience as a contestant, Taylor added, “It was the same when I found out I was a contestant. I am so thrilled to be back in the Strictly world. I found out a month ago, but I’ve been a good girl. I told mummy and my partner. I didn’t tell the kids.”
Taylor shared a statement reflecting her enthusiasm for the new role: “What a total joy to return to Strictly in this new role. I feel incredibly honored to follow in the footsteps of the phenomenal line-up of hosts who’ve made Strictly: It Takes Two so loved over the years. I can’t wait to immerse myself in all the gossip and sequins flying out of the ballroom in order to bring my fellow Strictly fans everything they need to know. I’m so excited, I could cha cha! (But I won’t – don’t worry… no one needs to see that again.)”
The announcement of Taylor as the new host of It Takes Two follows speculation after the previous hosts were not returning. Her appointment signifies another fresh element for the Strictly Come Dancing franchise as it prepares for its latest season.
Anticipation Builds for the New Season
With a new hosting team for the main show and a fresh face guiding It Takes Two, the 2024 season of Strictly Come Dancing promises a revitalized viewing experience. The intensive rehearsals and behind-the-scenes preparations suggest a high level of commitment from the new hosts, all eager to contribute to the show’s enduring popularity. The confirmed dates and schedule provide a clear roadmap for viewers, building anticipation for the return of the glittering ballroom spectacle.
