Strictly Come Dancing’s head judge Shirley Ballas has thrown her support behind the BBC’s decision to appoint Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe as the show’s new presenting team.
The announcement on Tuesday marked the first time in the programme’s two-decade history that three hosts will front the flagship Saturday night show, replacing the departing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
The trio will set a new format of hosting for the show
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BBC
Some viewers have questioned the selection, with fans describing it as “utterly bizarre” and suggesting the broadcaster is taking a “gamble” with the unexpected combination.
However, Ms Ballas has firmly backed the decision: “I think this is going to be absolutely sensational!” she told Express.co.uk.
Speaking to Metro, the 65-year-old judge added: “I think the BBC has really got this right,” before offering individual praise for each member of the new presenting lineup.
On former Strictly professional Mr Radebe, she said: “Of course, everybody loves JoJo. He’s just a well-loved figure.
The judge has had nothing but praise for the new hosts
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BBC
“He’s been in Kinky Boots; he’s a professional dancer, but more than that, it’s half his character. He wears his heart on his sleeve, so it’s an absolute delight that we got him.”
The South African dancer, who joined the BBC programme in 2018, could take on various duties as she teased: “Is he gonna be backstage? Is he a main presenter? Is he in the Clauditorium?”
Regarding Ms Willis, she described her as a “doll” and a “seasoned presenter” after working together on Cooking with the Stars.
After meeting Mr Widdicombe on Good Morning Britain, Ms Ballas said of the comedian: “I’m not overly familiar with Josh Widdicombe,” but called him a “charming chap” who is “funny, funny, funny, funny.”
Ms Ballas highlighted the importance of on-screen rapport in the selection process, noting that the BBC conducted extensive chemistry tests before making their final choice.
“Some people just can’t imagine the dynamic [between the three], but I can, because I think outside the box,” she told Express.co.uk.
“Everybody who tried was fantastic,” she said, with Angela Scanlon, Alex Jones, and La Voix all believed to have reached the shortlist alongside Zoe Ball and Rylan Clark.
“From Zoe to Rylan but sometimes, it comes down to that chemistry and how you mix. It’s like that with the four judges we’ve got – you form relationships, then you have a cheeky pattern going on between you.”
The judges have been told they need to attend the studio more
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BBC
Ms Ballas hinted at significant developments ahead for the upcoming series, promising an “enormous launch” in September.
The show will welcome five new professional dancers following the departures of Gorka Márquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, and Michelle Tsiakkas.
“It’s gonna be an absolutely epic season, for sure,” Ms Ballas said, adding that viewers “are not going to be disappointed” with the new additions.
She also revealed that production changes are in store, noting she has been told “judges have gotta go in more days.”
Joking that Strictly has received a “facelift,” Ms Ballas expressed enthusiasm for the programme’s new direction.
“We’re going to see a reshuffle. We’re going to see some extra things in the show that we haven’t had before.”
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