Emma Willis reflects on hosting 'Strictly' for the first time

Emma Willis has been picked as the latest host of the new season of Strictly Come Dancing alongside Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe. 

The trio is stepping in after the departure of longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

Opening the new season, Willis told viewers she and her co-hosts were thrilled to spend the next 13 weeks together. 

"It is our genuine honour to be here, and we cannot wait to spend the next 13 weeks with all of you."

Radebe echoed the excitement, saying, "It’s a brand new year in the ballroom, which means 15 new celebrities, 15 new partnerships, and four people they’re going to be desperate to impress."

Reflecting on stepping into the hosting role, Radebe admitted he never imagined the three of them presenting together, while Widdicombe agreed, joking that it felt a little overwhelming but exciting nonetheless. 

In addition, judge Craig Revel Horwood praised the new lineup, calling the hosts "fabulous."

The launch episode kicked off with a group performance featuring the professional dancers, judges, and hosts. 

This season also introduced a new format twist, with celebrity contestants meeting their dance partners live on the floor rather than through pre-recorded segments. 

Willis shared that she never expected to actually dance alongside the professional dancers as part of the show.

This year's season also welcomes five new professional dancers to the show, including Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita. 

Returning professionals include Dianne Buswell, Katya Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, and last year's champion, Carlos Gu.