There’s a new frontrunner in the race to be Strictly Come Dancing’s next presenter – and they’re already a beloved member of the cast.
BBC star Johannes Radebe is reportedly set to join Emma Willis as part of the show’s new hosting line-up after eight years as a Strictly professional dancer.
Earlier this week, it was reported that former Big Brother host Willis had been offered a presenting role on the show after dazzling producers during the chemistry tests, while the likes of Zoe Ball, Angela Scanlon and Rylan Clark were no longer in the running.
According to The Sun, Radebe will be hosting the show alongside her.
A source told the publication on Tuesday (12 May): “Everyone involved in the auditions — including the celebs — are saying the job is going to JoJo.
“During the chemistry tests he was paired up with every other celeb and did incredibly well. They all think he would be the perfect partner for Emma.”
Radebe was confirmed to be returning as a professional dancer on the new series. However, the source said that the announcement “doesn’t mean bosses aren’t going to promote him”.
They added that he could take on a “slightly different presenting role” as a “roving reporter”.
The Independent has contacted the BBC and Johannes Radebe for comment.
South African-born Radebe joined Strictly’s cast of professional dancers in 2018, having previously appeared on the show in his native country. He quickly became a fan favourite on the BBC series and made history as part of its first-ever same sex pairing with Bake Off’s John Whate in 2021.
Since then, he’s made his musical theatre debut in the UK tour of Kinky Boots and released his memoir, Jojo: Finally Home, which is being developed into a film.
In February, he revealed that he had become a British citizen, telling his fans on Instagram: “Britain has become my belonging.”
With Strictly returning in September, rumours are rife as to who’ll be replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman following their exit last year.
On Tuesday, former frontrunner Zoe Ball ruled herself out of the competition, revealing that she did not get the job.
“I didn’t get it, but it’s OK,” she said on her podcast, Dig It, with Jo Whiley. “I have worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection over the last couple of days.
“No, I didn’t get it, but I tell you what, if who I think has got it, we’re in safe hands and our new hosts are going to be fabulous. I’m so thrilled for them, and hopefully at a later date, we’ll be able to talk about them in more detail.”
Strictly’s new presenters will reportedly be announced after the Eurovision Song Contest final on Saturday.
The BBC spokesperson previously told The Independent: “Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.”
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