In a major shake-up for the BBC’s primetime schedule, Emma Willis is officially stepping down from her long-running Saturday lunchtime slot on BBC Radio 2 to take the helm as the new lead host of Strictly Come Dancing.
The broadcaster confirmed this morning that Willis will be moving on from her radio commitments to prepare for her high-profile transition into the ballroom, leaving a significant vacancy in the station’s weekend programming. Replacing her in the coveted 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Saturday slot will be comedian, actor, and Strictly alumna Ellie Taylor.
The announcement marks the beginning of a new era for Strictly Come Dancing as the show prepares for its 2026 season. Willis, known for her sharp wit and natural rapport with guests, is widely considered the perfect successor to lead the flagship dance competition. Producers have reportedly been eager to bring her on board for some time, banking on her versatility and immense popularity with television audiences to bring a fresh energy to the long-running format.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Strictly family,” Willis said in a statement released earlier today. “It is a show I have watched and loved for years, and while I will miss my wonderful listeners on Radio 2, the opportunity to step onto that iconic stage is one I simply couldn’t turn down.”
For Ellie Taylor, the move represents a significant step up within the BBC’s ranks. Taylor, who competed as a contestant on the show in 2022, has become a fan favorite through her appearances on Ted Lasso and various panel shows. Her appointment as the new voice of Saturday lunchtimes on Radio 2 is seen as a strategic pivot for the network as it looks to infuse its weekend output with more humor and high-energy personality.
“I’m incredibly excited to be taking over the reins on Saturday,” Taylor said. “I’ve spent plenty of time in the Strictly orbit, and I know exactly how much passion the audience has for these shows. Taking over from a pro like Emma is a challenge, but I can’t wait to get into the studio and start chatting with the listeners.”
The shift is expected to take effect in the coming weeks, with Willis’s final broadcast scheduled for the end of the month. Executives at the BBC are optimistic that the dual transition will invigorate both the radio listenership and the television ratings. While fans of Willis will be disappointed to see her leave the airwaves, the buzz surrounding her debut in the ballroom is already reaching fever pitch as the 2026 Strictly production gears up for its most ambitious season to date.
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