Former Strictly host Claudia Winkleman praises new presenter Emma Willis as 'knockout'

Former Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman has publicly supported the show's new presenting team. After the revamped BBC series premiered on 19 September 2026 with hosts Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe, Winkleman commented "knockout" on Willis's Instagram post. Winkleman and Tess Daly left the show in October 2025, saying they wanted to leave on a high and that the show needed fresh faces. Winkleman denied that their exit was linked to recent scandals. She will continue presenting The Traitors and a new chat show.