Strictly returns with new hosting trio as celebrities find out dance pairings
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe take over from long-running presenting duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Strictly Come Dancing returned for its 24th series, introducing a new trio of presenters and a fresh batch of celebrity contestants. Broadcaster Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and former Strictly professional Johannes Radebe took over from the beloved duo of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The new lineup included a roster of recognizable faces, such as actress Melanie Walters, former England footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, and TV presenter Will Best.
During the debut episode, the celebrities were paired with their professional dance partners through a unique process of three dance routines, resembling a musical chairs game. Among those stepping into the ballroom for the first time were celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton, singer Delta Goodrem, DJ Cach Mercer, TV presenter Maddie Ingoldsby, and TV actress Melanie Walters.
Notable repeats included Dani Dyer, returning for her second appearance after an ankle injury last year, and Bethany Antonia. The show also welcomed five new professional dancers from the UK, Canada, Italy, South Africa, and Ukraine. As the new presenters led the contestants through their first dance routines, Craig Revel Horwood and his fellow judges showcased a slightly reduced role in this season's production.
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