Summary
Overview
Richard Osman interviews the three new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing - Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis, and Josh Widdicombe - about landing the biggest presenting job on British television. They share behind-the-scenes stories about the secretive audition process, chemistry tests conducted in hidden locations, and how they found out they got the gig. The conversation reveals their nerves, excitement, and the unusual dynamic of presenting as a trio rather than the traditional two-host format.
The Unprecedented Three-Host Format
The new presenting team discusses how Strictly is breaking with tradition by having three hosts instead of two. They explain that there's no direct replacement for Tess and Claudia's roles - instead, they're creating something entirely new with a 'total football' approach where all three will move fluidly around the show. Production is still experimenting with how this will work, with the team going through multiple rehearsal days to find the right chemistry and format.
- No one is directly replacing Tess or Claudia - the three-host format is entirely new
- The approach is described as 'total football' with all three hosts moving around freely
- There's no dedicated backstage reporter role despite early reports
- Johannes brings unique insider knowledge as a former professional dancer
" There's no like for like, so no one's kind of replacing anybody. And at the minute, it's all very kind of open, isn't it? We're having lots of like production days where we go in and we play around and we're kind of feeling each other out what they're feeling us out really. "
" It's going to be like total football Richard we're going to be moving everywhere. "
Johannes's Mixed Emotions About Not Dancing
Johannes opens up about experiencing FOMO watching the professional dancers in rehearsal, acknowledging the bittersweet feeling of moving from performing to presenting. He confirms he won't be returning to theater anytime soon despite his acclaimed West End run in Kinky Boots, calling it a 'baptism of fire' and saying he's still recovering from the experience. However, he's excited about bringing his insider knowledge to the presenting role.
- The professional dancers are already in rehearsals, giving Johannes FOMO
- Johannes categorically rules out more theater work in the near future
- He describes his West End experience in Kinky Boots as 'baptism of fire' and 'hardcore'
- Despite the FOMO, he's excited about directing the show's magic from the presenting side
" I think particularly for me, I mean, this is quite new and very, very, very exciting. I think just to be given the opportunity to speak to the show and direct its magic. "
" I know what they're going through. I know what they, you know, the plans they know. Have you got FOMO? You know what? I'm not going to admit it. "
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