Matt Willis says wife Emma Willis is 'perfect' for hosting Strictly Come Dancing
Emma Willis fronts Strictly Come Dancing alongside Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.
Matt Willis says his wife Emma Willis is "perfect" for hosting Strictly Come Dancing - despite admitting the new job was a "curveball" for the couple.
The 50-year-old TV presenter fronts the BBC Latin and Ballroom dance show alongside Josh Widdicombe, 43, and Johannes Radebe, 39, with Busted singer Matt, 43, revealing that she was "really excited" about making her presenting debut with the trio in the pre-recorded launch programme on September 19.
He told The Telegraph: "She’s really happy, really excited. It felt different, this job, because she really wanted it, and I think she was scared to say that out loud.
"Strictly was a curveball. Taking the biggest job on TV was not on our bingo card for 2026, but I’m so proud of her. And if anyone can do it, it’s her. I’m stoked for her, she’s perfect for it, and loves the show so much.”
In May, the BBC confirmed that Emma will be fronting Strictly Come Dancing alongside Josh and Johannes after Tess Daly, 57, and Claudia Winkleman, 54, quit last December.
Emma was thrilled to share the news with Matt 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 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 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."
Taking part in this year's series 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.
