Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood predicts clashes with host Josh Widdicombe
Strictly Come Dancing returns in September with Craig Revel Horwood as one of the judges, and Josh Widdicombe as one of the new presenters.
Strictly Come Dancing's Craig Revel Horwood expects to clash with host Josh Widdicombe.
The 61-year-old acid-tongued judge thinks the 43-year-old comic will stick up for EastEnders' Lacey Turner, 38, Love Island star Dani Dyer, 29, Neighbours alum Delta Goodrem, 41, and the other yet-to-be-announced cast when they get served his brutally honest feedback on their routines, from September.
Per The Sun, Craig told the audience during his Revelations - Songs Boys Don’t Sing one-man show at McMillan Theatre, Bridgwater, Somerset, on June 14,: "I think Josh is going to give me a whole bunch of s***.
"He is going to give me a real run for my money, and I like someone that attacks me back.”
Josh will host alongside Emma Willis, 50, and 39-year-old Johannes Radebe - who has been a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing since 2018.
And Craig thinks they are good replacements for Tess Daly, 57, and Claudia Winkleman, 54, who quit as presenters at the end of the 2025 series in December.
He said: "Emma is a really good booking. She is so professional. She is quick. She is on it, and she takes time to listen. And the beauty about having JoJo is that he knows about dance."
Craig agreed with his fellow judge, Anton Du Beke, 59, that Emma, Josh, and Johannes should not try to replicate Tess and Claudia's style of presenting.
Earlier this month, Anton told Bella magazine: "Don't try to be the other two girls because you won't be.
"Be yourself, you've been chosen because you're obviously amazing. The show is the show, just become part of it.
"Don't think that you've got to be anything bigger, and Strictly will carry you along because it's an incredible show.
"My advice is to enjoy yourself."
Craig added: "And become part of the family because that's what Strictly is."
Emma, Josh, and Johannes were announced as the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing on May 19.
She 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."
Johannes 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."
As well as the new presenters, five new professional dancers have joined Strictly Come Dancing for 2026, after Karen Hauer, 44, Gorka Marquez, 35, Nadiya Bychkova, and Luba Mushtuk, both 36, and Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, were all axed.
