Main Character of Sunday, 28 June 2026
Why Emma Willis was in the news
Emma Willis is a British television presenter and media personality known for her work across reality television and entertainment programming. In May 2026, she was announced as one of three new hosts of the BBC's flagship dancing competition Strictly Come Dancing, alongside professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe. The trio were selected to replace long-standing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, with the announcement noting that Willis, Radebe and Widdicombe possessed "undeniable chemistry" and would begin hosting the show's 24th series when it returned in autumn 2026.
The announcement of Willis's appointment generated significant media coverage throughout June 2026. Discussions centred on whether the new hosting team could revitalise the competition following earlier controversies that had affected the franchise. The role also positioned Willis prominently in the public eye, with various media outlets exploring her background, personal life and professional credentials in relation to the high-profile position.
Beyond her Strictly hosting duties, Willis demonstrated active involvement in broader entertainment and charitable work during this period. She was announced as host of the PEUGEOT Attitude PRIDE Awards Europe in June 2026, further establishing her public profile and visibility as a media figure during the late spring and early summer months.
The clues
- 1Announced on May 19, 2026 as new presenter of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing alongside Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe.
- 2Described by The Guardian as a 'superfan' of the dancing competition she now presents.
- 3Hosted the PEUGEOT Attitude PRIDE Awards Europe in June 2026, supported by British Airways.
- 4Known for strong LGBTQ+ allyship, noted upon stepping into Strictly hosting role.
- 5Presented documentary series 'Delivering Babies' examining midwifery and childbirth.
- 6Married to Matt, with whom she has discussed marriage challenges in recent interviews.
- 7Close friend of broadcaster Rylan Clark, who competed for the same Strictly hosting position.
- 8Career spanning reality television, presenting, and documentary work across major UK broadcasters.
- 9Initial E., this presenter rose from reality TV backgrounds to mainstream BBC primetime.
- 10Her appointment to Strictly sparked debate about fresh casting and generational change in BBC talent.
- 11E. W., the new Strictly presenter who transitioned from reality television to hosting the nation's favourite dancing show.
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