Main Character of Tuesday, 16 June 2026
Why Emma Willis was in the news
Emma Willis is a British television presenter and reality television personality best known for her work in the entertainment industry. She has built a career hosting and appearing on various television programmes, establishing herself as a recognisable figure in British media and popular culture.
In May 2026, Willis was announced as one of three new presenters of Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC's long-running dancing competition. She was selected alongside Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe to host the show's 24th series beginning in autumn 2026, replacing departing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The announcement generated significant media attention, with coverage suggesting the new presenting trio possessed strong chemistry that could help revitalise the popular franchise.
The announcement and subsequent coverage of Willis's new role kept her in the public eye throughout June 2026. Media outlets continued discussing her appointment and her readiness for the presenting position, with commentary suggesting confidence in her ability to succeed in the role.
Willis's appointment to Strictly Come Dancing represented a significant step in her television career, elevating her profile as she transitioned into a prime-time hosting position on one of the BBC's flagship entertainment programmes.
The clues
- 1Announced as new presenter of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing on 19 May 2026 alongside Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe.
- 2Will begin hosting the dance competition's 24th series when it returns this autumn following Tess Daly's departure.
- 3Labelled a 'superfan' of the dancing show before joining its presenting lineup.
- 4Set to host the PEUGEOT Attitude PRIDE Awards Europe supported by British Airways in June 2026.
- 5Featured in a documentary titled 'Delivering Babies' released on Mail Plus in June 2026.
- 6Had emotional conversations with predecessor Tess Daly about taking on the Strictly presenting role.
- 7Known for all-round warmth and approachability that attracted BBC talent scouts.
- 8Rumoured throughout months of tabloid speculation before official BBC confirmation in May.
- 9First initial E; gained prominence through reality television before major BBC platform.
- 10cette personnalité; became household name before recent Strictly appointment changed her career trajectory entirely.
Sources
- Reality TV | The Guardian19/05/2026‘A potential stroke of genius’: could the new hosts save Strictly Come Dancing?
- Reality TV | The Guardian19/05/2026Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe announced as new Strictly Come Dancing hosts