EXCLUSIVE: Emma Willis has been confirmed as the new host of Strictly Come Dancing, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, with husband Matt Willis fully behind her as she faces the enormity of the biggest show in the UK
It’s been the most talked about vacancy on TV, but after months of speculation, it’s been reported that Emma Willis will be the next host of Strictly Come Dancing. A source this week said the “thrilled” 50-year-old has bagged the job after impressing BBC execs.
It’s no doubt very exciting news for the former Big Brother and The Voice UK frontwoman, but also slightly daunting for the mum-of-three, who will surely feel the weight of expectation on her shoulders – especially as outgoing presenting team Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were so beloved by the public.
“Emma is over the moon she’s landed the top job on Strictly, but she’s got huge shoes to fill,” a source exclusively told us. “She’s determined to put her spin on the role, but it’s a daunting prospect and she realises the enormity of it. Her life will totally change forever. But Emma is very likeable and she’s got experience of doing live shows. She is beyond excited.”
Since Tess and Claudia’s shock departure, many showbiz legends have been rumoured to be in the running for the coveted presenting job, including Bradley Walsh, Alex Jones and Rylan Clark. But sources say it was Emma who caught the execs’ eyes.
“She absolutely nailed the chemistry tests and the BBC adore her,” a source told a newspaper. “She’s incredibly popular with the public too and will suit the role down to a tee. She was absolutely thrilled to have been offered the job.”
There had been whispers that Zoe Ball would work alongside Emma, but she has since denied being offered the job. It’s now been said that professional dancer Johannes Radebe has been teed up as the perfect TV partner for Emma.
“Everyone involved in the auditions, including the celebs, are saying the job is going to JoJo,” a source told a newspaper.
Emma is used to sharing the spotlight. In recent years the majority of her TV work has been with her husband of 17 years, Busted star Matt Willis, 43. The pair have co-hosted Netflix dating show Love Is Blind: UK for two seasons as well as a series of hard-hitting documentaries about addiction, smart phones and therapy.
While Emma has enjoyed having Matt by her side at work, our source says she has his full support for this solo venture.
“Matt is delighted about her new job and is going to be there to support her through it,” the source explained.
They added, “The schedule of Strictly is full-on and runs over many months, which means there will naturally be more time apart for Matt and Emma, but they’re strong enough to survive this.”
The couple, who have three children – Isabelle, 16, Ace, 15, and 10-year-old Trixie – have previously had therapy to help them through the challenges that came with Matt’s addictions, which Matt said “changed our relationship”.
And in an interview with The Guardian in 2021, Emma said, “As we’ve got older and more mature and settled, we have realised that as long as we communicate, we can avoid sitting on resentments or creating the kind of environment that leads to getting divorced. I won’t allow that to happen to us – and I won’t let him do it either!”
In the past, Strictly has faced accusations of having a “curse” for some couples, but our source says it will only bring Emma and Matt closer together.
“You’ll see Matt coming in on the show. Strictly wants to try and involve Matt, because they are a very likeable couple,” the source said. “He’s thrilled. It’s a huge money earner – the biggest show in the UK – so it’s celebrations all round.”
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