Main Character of Friday, 26 June 2026
Why Emma Willis was in the news
Emma Willis is a British television presenter and reality TV personality known for her work across multiple entertainment formats. She has established herself as a prominent figure in British broadcasting, with a career spanning reality television and entertainment hosting.
In May 2026, Willis was announced as one of three new presenters of Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC's flagship dancing competition. She joined fellow hosts Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe, taking over from long-serving presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The trio were set to begin their tenure when the show returned in autumn 2026 for its 24th series. Their appointment generated significant media coverage, with commentators noting the undeniable chemistry between the three new hosts as a potential asset to the revived format.
In the weeks following the announcement, Willis remained in the news through various appearances and commentary. In mid-June 2026, she hosted the PEUGEOT Attitude PRIDE Awards Europe, further raising her profile. Her appointment to Strictly was also discussed in relation to her established reputation for LGBTQ+ allyship. Throughout June, various media outlets continued to analyse her suitability for the role and her transition into this high-profile presenting position.
The clues
- 1Announced as new host of Strictly Come Dancing on 19 May 2026, alongside Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe.
- 2Described by BBC as having 'undeniable chemistry' with two male co-hosts for the upcoming ballroom show.
- 3Called a 'superfan' in early coverage of the Strictly hosting announcement by major media outlets.
- 4Hosted the PEUGEOT Attitude PRIDE Awards Europe in June 2026, demonstrating strong LGBTQ+ allyship.
- 5Featured in a documentary titled 'Delivering Babies' that aired on television.
- 6Married to a man named Matt who has recently opened up publicly about marital challenges.
- 7Positioned as having strong credentials to rescue the 'ailing' Strictly Come Dancing franchise.
- 8Media outlets emphasised her potential as 'a stroke of genius' for the struggling show's revival.
- 9E. W. — a television presenter who became the first female member of Strictly Come Dancing's new presenting trio.
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