EXCLUSIVE: Strictly Come Dancing professional Johannes Radebe has been announced as one of the new hosts of the BBC dance show alongside Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe.08:23, 03 Jul 2026Updated 08:26, 03 Jul 2026Former Strictly Come Dancing star Alex Kingston has sent a warm message of support to her former dance partner Johannes Radebe following his exciting new role on the beloved dancing programme.‌The BBC confirmed earlier this year that the hugely popular professional dancer would be staying on Strictly in a completely different capacity, becoming one of three presenters chosen to fill the shoes of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.‌Tess and Claudia announced they would be stepping down at the conclusion of the last series, with a number of names including Rylan Clark and Zoe Ball touted as potential replacements.‌Johannes will now front Strictly alongside comedian Josh Widdicombe and presenting legend Emma Willis. He has since received a heartfelt message from Alex, who appeared in the last series as Johannes' final celebrity partner.Speaking exclusively at the National Film Awards, the ER and Doctor Who actress said: "I'm excited for JoJo moving forward in a different direction. He's on the West End stage at the moment doing Kinky Boots, and he's amazing in it," reports Wales Online.‌"A dancer's life is finite, so you've got to start as a dancer to have a plan-B in your pocket, for when that time comes to an end, which it does at some point."Following the announcement of his new position, Johannes had previously said: "To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined."This show has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward.‌"To do it alongside the formidable Emma Willis and the utterly brilliant Josh Widdicombe makes it even more special. I'm ready-sequins, nerves, and all...please bear with me. Love Jojo."Fans had earlier been left concerned that Johannes would quit Strictly entirely, following his exit from the competition with Alex.‌After the results of the dance-off were announced, Johannes told Alex: "Thank you, because I have never grinned this much in my life, for the past couple of weeks with you. Thank you, Alex, for being a trooper."I appreciate the laughs, and I'll hold onto the memories, but as far as the dancing goes, I think we've achieved what we both wanted to achieve."‌He then added: "To my Strictly family, I love you," looking around the ballroom at the judges, hosts and fellow dancers. "I'm forever grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank you."After fans feared he had made a "goodbye speech", Johannes put the rumours to bed, telling Graham Norton on his BBC show: "Graham, I will do that show for as long as they will have me.He added: "I promise, I will. That is a magical, sparkling world. I love it."Article continues belowStrictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year