Main Character of Thursday, 25 June 2026
Why Emma Willis was in the news
Emma Willis is a British television presenter and reality TV personality known for her work in entertainment programming. She has built a career hosting various shows and is recognized as a superfan of popular television formats.
In May 2026, Willis was announced as one of three new presenters of Strictly Come Dancing, alongside Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe. The trio was selected to host the BBC dancing competition's 24th series, which began in autumn 2026, following the departure of long-standing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The announcement generated significant media interest, with observers noting the chemistry between the new presenting team and discussing whether the changes could revitalize the franchise.
The announcement of Willis's appointment to the Strictly hosting role prompted widespread media coverage in the weeks surrounding late June 2026, with various publications examining her background, her suitability for the position, and reactions from industry figures including fellow presenter Rylan Clark. Willis's known support for LGBTQ+ causes also featured prominently in coverage of her new role, particularly given Strictly's diverse cast and audience.
The clues
- 1Announced as new presenter of Strictly Come Dancing on 19 May 2026, joining two male co-hosts.
- 2Described as a 'superfan' in relation to the show she now presents.
- 3Part of a presenting trio with Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.
- 4Chemistry between the three new hosts was cited as 'undeniable' by the BBC.
- 5Hosted the PEUGEOT Attitude PRIDE Awards Europe in June 2026.
- 6Married to someone named Matt who has discussed marital challenges publicly.
- 7Associated with a television programme about delivering babies.
- 8Rylan Clark was considered for the same Strictly position but she was selected.
- 9E.W. took over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as Strictly presenter.
- 10cette personnalité: the new face of BBC's flagship dancing competition revival.
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
- Mirror - Celebrity News25/06/2026Gorka Marquez says 'that's why there's no baby number three' after Gemma Atkinson ordeal