Emma Willis: ‘Strictly launch was longest day of my life’

Emma Willis has described her debut on last weekend’s launch episode of Strictly Come Dancing as “a true whirlwind”.

Together with Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe, the seasoned presenter is part of a triumvirate of new hosts for 2026 following the departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman last year.

Last week viewers were able to see the three in action together for the first time in the launch show for the new series, which was pre-recorded earlier this month.

“It was like a fever dream!” Willis recalled. “It felt like the longest but fastest day of my life. Longest because of the anticipation and the build-up of nerves and excitement, and the fastest because from the moment we started recording that evening, the only way I can describe it was…  I was in the actual telly!

“It’s weird because that’s obviously what I’ve done for over 20 years but it felt so surreal to be inside ‘Strictly’! It was so much fun and the audience were so welcoming, they kept saying “you’re doing so well!’ – thank goodness! It was a true whirlwind.”

The launch episode began with a huge opening dance number that involved the professionals, the celebrities, the judges – and all three presenters.

“I loved it,” Willis said. “Like everything with this show, you really want to throw yourself into it and try everything so I was ready to dive in. Then suddenly I was like – ‘oh, hold on a minute – this group number is huge!’

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, so once I got over the feeling of looking a bit silly, I absolutely loved it. It was so fun and it made me understand how people get the dancing bug!”

Strictly Come Dancing‘s launch show airs tonight from 6.15pm on BBC One and iPlayer.