‘A stroke of genius’: can new directors save Strictly Come Dancing? | | The Great Dance

Met takes two to tango. But apparently it takes three to host a TV show about tangoing. After months of speculation, the BBC has revealed the new presenters of The Great Dance. And not one, not two, but three of them. Let’s pretend they don’t step on each other’s toes.

Rumors have been swirling and now the most closely guarded secret in showbiz has been confirmed. Broadcaster Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and dancer Johannes Radebe have been announced for the new series. This autumn, he will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who bowed together at Christmas. As the new season of the ballroom begins, can these three set the tone for the Train? And is three the magic number?

Let’s take them one by one. Birmingham-born Willis will take over Daly’s role as the show’s main anchor, introducing celebrity couples, explaining the judges’ opinions and keeping the show on track. She has a presence in the area, having done similar episodes on The Voice, The Circle and Big Brother. Naysayers may find the 50-year-old uninspired — she’s everywhere on reality TV, after all — but I have high hopes. For starters, Willis is a fan who knows Charleston from the cha-cha-cha. He is natural, slyly funny and steely when he needs to be. He has made famous people comfortable and become their leader, just like Daly did. Sure, Willis isn’t a curveball – but he’s got safe hands. This could be just what Strictly needs.

Widdicombe is more of an unknown and perhaps has a more difficult job. He’ll fill Winkleman’s shoes on the ballroom balcony — an area formerly known as the “Clauditorium” — where he’ll interview couples after events. Winkleman’s antics made her a popular Strictly star and made her one of Britain’s biggest TV presenters. No pressure, Josh. The 43-year-old’s quick-witted comedy has garnered praise from the media and 14 years on Channel 4’s The Last Leg. Sure, he may lack the glamor and razzmatazz compared to Claud, but most people do. The challenge is keeping the love of the mickey (Claud was lovingly funny) and having a family (The Last Leg airs at 10pm, but Strictly is a team show). Widdicombe also has a Strictly first line – not as Ann’s name but she appeared in the 2024 Christmas special, albeit in a penguin outfit more suited to a children’s party.

Finally comes the big tenant: famous Strictly pro Radebe, who will act as a traveling journalist behind the scenes. The beloved South African is a true self, who will add a welcome dose of dance talent, as well as flamboyance. Jojo was already known for her fab-u-lous clothes. But this brief backstory is a new part of the show. The combination of Radebe’s inner knowledge and beauty means that this move is a genius. They can appeal to young viewers, providing a unique, interactive media experience. There are suggestions that Jojo was growing up for the show – she recently starred in the West End musical Kinky Boots – and the move is a way to keep her in the fold.

It remains to be seen how the trio will work. Many popular franchises are run by two characters – not just Tess and Claud, but Ant and Dec, Mel and Sue, Anna and Grace. The danger is that too much can make the panel display look overcrowded. They can race each other to check and start running time. Is it a sign that they found replacing Tess and Claudia difficult and split their work three ways? Or that the brand is being redesigned?

After so much research, maybe we should trust that the developers know what they are doing. Word is that these three have great chemistry. Widdicombe has shown on The Last Leg that he can form an effective three. They are all part of BBC the family already, with Willis and Widdicombe presenting shows on Radio 2 – the wireless equivalent of Strictly. There is something for everyone here. The Strictly audience is a large congregation. Most viewers should find something they like among the three different ones.

This is a turning point for the venerable hoofing franchise. Five dancers take off. The show is still reeling from a lot of scandals. It now has three new faces at the helm. Whether it’s a toe-tapping victory or a wicked dance, it’s going to be fun to watch. And hey, they didn’t give Paddy McGuinness or Jimmy Carr the job.