Strictly Come Dancing's Kai Widdrington had different show co-hosts in mind
Kai Widdrington's prediction of Hannah Waddingham and Alan Carr co-hosting Strictly Come Dancing did not become a reality as Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe got the job.
Kai Widdrington dreamt about Hannah Waddingham and Alan Carr co-fronting Strictly Come Dancing.
The BBC Latin and Ballroom dance show pro predicted the actress and the comic would replace Tess Daly, 57, and Claudia Winkleman, 54, who quit in December 2025, but Emma Willis, 50, Josh Widdicombe, 43, and Johannes Radebe, 39, got the job.
Kai, 30, said on the latest episode of the StrictlyTalk podcast: "This prediction came from a dream that I had.
"I was having a dream that it was the live show, and I'd finished my dance. I don't remember who I was dancing with, but I walked over to the judges to get the comments, and the presenter was Hannah Waddingham. She's amazing."
The hunk was clueless about 51-year-old Hannah - who bagged a 2021 Primetime Emmy Award for her role as AFC Richmond owner Rebecca Welton in Ted Lasso - when she messaged the choreographer during his debut series, also in 2021.
Kai recalled: "She used to send me voice notes in my first season, like minute-long voice notes of how amazing AJ [Pritchard] was, and I didn't know who she was.
"And then all I remember seeing was, 'And the Emmy goes to...' And I was like, 'Hang on a minute, who's that? That's her!' So, yeah, that was the first presenter."
The Britain's Got Talent 2012 finalist's dream also saw The Celebrity Traitors winner Alan, 49, continue Claudia's funny chats with the celebrities and their professional dance partners on the balcony, where the couples relax after their performances.
Kai said: "I go upstairs, and who's up there? Alan Carr. Could you imagine the absolute chaos?"
On Tuesday (19.05.26), the BBC confirmed that Emma, Josh, and Johannes will preside over Strictly Come Dancing when the new series starts in September.
Emma said: "It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Strictly - I’ve cheered and danced along from my sofa for years - so to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend.
"It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind - two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long.
"I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter. I can’t wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and the judges. Fingers crossed for a 10 from them!"
Josh added: "Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly remains my career high point, so I am giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television.
"I adore Emma and Jojo and can’t wait to spend my weekends with them. I’ll dust off the penguin costume."
And Johannes - who has been a pro on Strictly Come Dancing since 2018 - commented: "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."
