Strictly Come Dancing legend Arlene Phillips gives "desperately honest" verdict on new hosts

Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips has given her opinion on the show's new hosts. After decades of being hosted by a duo, the 2026 season is being hosted by a trio: Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.

Speaking to Radio Times at the Sky Arts Award, Arlene — who was on Strictly between 2004 and 2008 — said that she does like the new hosts, but feels like something isn't working.

"I love the new hosts," before adding: "Can I be desperately honest?

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"I'm still not sure because… I don't know, there's something that feels like it holds the boys back. And Emma is a delight. She, not only just looks gorgeous, but everything she does is impeccable.

"And I think that's what the boys need to be — their version of Emma.

"Outspoken, and there's something about when you chat with a smile, something about when you actually say something with a warmth. That's all it needs, and it'll be fabulous."

Darcey Bussell — who served as judge between 2012 and 2018 — was also at the event, and admitted that she hasn't watched any of the new episodes proper, but still had some words to say about the new presenting team.

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"I haven't been able to watch it fully. I watch clips of it all the time, and mainly I'm really only interested in the dance. So, seeing what they're choreographing and everything, which is always incredible, thank goodness," she said.

"I think the change in presenting, it's always like a teething problem isn't it? It's a natural part of the process.

"You have to teeth in and everybody should just let go a bit and relax. Give them a chance."

Strictly Come Dancing airs on weekends on BBC One and streams on iPlayer.

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Joe Anderton is a freelance news writer at Digital Spy, having worked there since 2016. In his time, he's covered a host of live events and interviewed celebrities big and small. A big fan of TV and movies both mainstream and obscure, Joe also enjoys video games and in particular PlayStation. Joe currently does not use Twitter, but he only ever used it to tell people to watch the film Help! I'm a Fish.