🇬🇧 BBC’s Secret Operation Behind New Strictly Come Dancing Hosts Revealed

The BBC went to extraordinary lengths to keep the identities of the new Strictly Come Dancing presenting team secret, with the incoming hosts revealing that they were initially told they were auditioning for a fictional gardening programme. The new trio — Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe — are replacing longtime presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman when the BBC dance competition returns this month. The Fake Show: “The Great Garden Glow Up” According to the presenters, the BBC created the fictional title “The Great Garden Glow Up” to disguise the real purpose of their auditions. The candidates were brought individually to chemistry tests, with drivers reportedly unaware that they were transporting prospective Strictly hosts. The BBC also used a mock studio environment and production staff acting as stand-ins for judges. Willis described the secrecy as being “a bit like The Traitors”, while Widdicombe joked that he might not have attended an audition if he had genuinely believed it was for a gardening programme. Four Months of Secret Testing The selection process involved extensive chemistry testing before BBC executives settled on the three-person format. The BBC ultimately chose the combination of presenter Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe, describing their chemistry as a major factor in the decision. This will be the first time the flagship programme has had three main presenters. Johannes Radebe Makes History Radebe's appointment is particularly significant because he moves from the Strictly professional dance cast into the main presenting team. The South African-born dancer, who joined the programme as a professional in 2018, becomes the first Black presenter of the main Strictly Come Dancing programme, according to The Guardian. Despite moving into presenting, Radebe has also indicated that his connection with the dance floor will continue. When Does the New Series Begin? The 24th series of Strictly Come Dancing launches on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on September 19, 2026, with the first live competition show scheduled for September 26. Fifteen celebrity contestants are expected to take part in the new series. The new hosting arrangement follows the departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, whose long-running association with the programme ended after the previous series. FACTFUL24 Headline BBC’s Secret ‘Great Garden Glow Up’ Operation Exposed as New Strictly Hosts Reveal How Auditions Were Hidden Category: Entertainment / Television / UK Why it matters: The BBC isn't simply replacing two presenters with two others; it is introducing a three-host format, with a professional dancer, comedian and experienced television presenter sharing the spotlight. Sources: The Independent, The Guardian, ITV News and BBC-reported information.