Zoe Ball has responded to the latest Strictly Come Dancing announcement, which declared that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe will be replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as hosts.
Earlier this month, Zoe revealed that she was one of the names in the running for hosting duties, but ultimately missed out.
© BBC/Ray BurmistonJosh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe are the new Strictly hosts
“I didn’t get it, but it’s OK,” she said on her Dig It with Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball podcast. “I have worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection over the last couple of days.”
While she didn’t confirm the new hosts at the time, the presenter added: “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.”
© BBC/Ray BurmistonZoe revealed she missed out on the hosting role
Zoe Ball reacts to the new Strictly hosts
When the news finally landed on Tuesday, Zoe was one of the first to take to the comments on Instagram to congratulate the new hosts.
“CREW. Congrats Emma Jojo and Josh. You’re gonna ROCK IT,” she said, with three disco ball emojis followed by three red love hearts.
Meanwhile, former host Tess Daly commented: “Can’t wait to tune in, the ultimate trio,” while professional dancer Dianne Buswell said: “This is so exciting, particularly excited for our fellow pro @johannesradebe babe you are a true star and this role is made for you. We love you.”
Head judge Shirley Ballas added: “Welcome to the family @emmawillisofficial @josh_widdicombe … and to our dear @johannesradebe I am beyond proud of you. Superstar line up x.”
Rylan reacts to the news
Alongside Zoe, another name in the running for hosting duties was Rylan, who took to his Instagram Stories to react to the news.
“Just wanted to say as it was reported I was in ‘The Race’ for strictly, the biggest congrats to my Emma and equal congrats to Johannes and Josh. You’re all going to have the best time. Made up for you’s,” he said.
In the next slide, Rylan jokingly included a video of himself from The X Factor back in 2012, when Nicole Scherzinger told him he was going to the live shows.
“This wasn’t my time sadly but am extremely grateful to even have been considered,” he continued. “I’m taking the news really well (see next slide) but genuinely looking forward to the new series with you three x.”
Meet the new Strictly hosts
The BBC announced that there will be three hosts for the first time in the show’s history: presenter Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe.
In response to the news, Emma said: “It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Strictly – I’ve cheered and danced along from my sofa for years – so to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend.
© BBC/Ray BurmistonJohannes Radebe, Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe
“It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind – two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long. I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter.
“I can’t wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and the judges. Fingers crossed for a 10 from them!”
Meanwhile, Johannes, who joined the show as a professional dancer in 2018, said: “To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined. This show has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward.
© BBCThe show will return in autumn
“To do it alongside the formidable Emma Willis and the utterly brilliant Josh Widdicombe makes it even more special. I’m ready-sequins, nerves, and all…please bear with me. Love Jojo.”
Josh added: “Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly remains my career high point, so I am giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television. I adore Emma and Jojo and can’t wait to spend my weekends with them. I’ll dust off the penguin costume.”
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