Emma Willis reveals daughter's unexpected reaction to her Strictly Come Dancing hosting news
In May, the BBC confirmed that Emma Willis will be fronting Strictly Come Dancing alongside Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.
Emma Willis' youngest daughter expected a very different announcement when her mum shared her new Strictly Come Dancing hosting job.
In May, the BBC confirmed that the 50-year-old star will be fronting the BBC Latin and Ballroom dance show alongside Josh Widdicombe, 43, and Johannes Radebe, 39, after Tess Daly, 57, and Claudia Winkleman, 54, quit last December.
Emma was thrilled to share the news with her 43-year-old husband, Busted member Matt Willis, and their children, son Ace, 14, and daughters Isabelle, 17, and Trixie, 10, but she could not have predicted the reactions from two of their youngsters.
The former Big Brother host is quoted by the new issue of Heat magazine as saying: "One of my kids cried, the other one told me how proud they were of me, and my youngest was slightly gutted.
"She thought my news was going to be that I was pregnant, so I had to let her down with the fact I'm not."
Emma acknowledges that she, Josh and Johannes cannot replace Tess and Claudia, but they are focused on making the role their own.
She told the new issue of Bella magazine: "You can't step into someone else's shoes. Tess and Claudia did their jobs impeccably for many, many years and sailed that ship beautifully.
"We're not here to replace them. We're just here to hold the ship steady and have a good time."
Although Emma has been feeling the nerves about taking over from Tess and Claudia, she is ready for the public scrutiny.
She is quoted by The Sun as saying: "I’m ready for the comparisons. I am ready for the negative opinions that can come with these things.
"There’s a kind of fear that comes with it because of the enormity of it, and you have nerves about being good enough to step into the role. But I feel like it’s simple. We aren’t reinventing the wheel.
"We are working on an entertainment show about dancing that is meant to bring joy to everybody watching it. So hopefully we can be a small part of that joy and have a lovely time doing it."
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday (19.09.26) when Emma, Josh and Johannes introduce the 2026 contestants to their professional partners on the launch show.
Taking part are EastEnders icon Lacey Turner, 38, Neighbours alum Delta Goodrem, 41, Love Island alums Cach Mercer, 25, and 30-year-old Dani Dyer - who withdrew last year due to an ankle injury - and 43-year-old celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton.
Big Brother host Will Best, 41, Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, 48, Babs actress Jaime Winstone, 41, football player-turned-pundit Shaun Wright-Phillips, 44, and House of the Dragon's Bethany Antonia, 28, are also taking to the dance floor.
Completing the line-up are dog trainer Graeme Hall, 60, Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb, 34, Olympic skeleton gold medallist Tabby Stoecker, 25, YouTube star John Nellis, 33, and 64-year-old Gavin and Stacey star Melanie Walters.
The live competition format kicks off the following week, Saturday, September 26.
However, the first results show, and elimination will not air until Sunday, October 4, and it has been confirmed that the winners of this year's Glitterball Trophy will be revealed on Saturday, December 19.
