Shirley Ballas has broken her silence on the new Strictly Come Dancing hosts, teasing an ‘exciting’ season ahead.
Shirley Ballas has shared her thoughts on the “extraordinary” changes coming to Strictly Come Dancing, after Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe were unveiled as the new hosts.
The trio were confirmed to be replacing Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly at the helm of the BBC One competition when the next series kicks off in September.
During an appearance on Good Morning Britain, Shirley – who has been part of the judging panel since 2017 – spoke for the first time about the new arrivals, and the “excitement” behind the scenes.
Sharing her thoughts on the new presenters, the 65-year-old raved: “I know they took lots of chemistry tests – as did everybody. Those chemistry tests have brought these three people together, and I believe it’s absolutely unbelievable.
“Everybody is going to be excited, we’re excited, the judges are excited. We’re on a WhatsApp group together, and I’m very excited to see what they bring.”
Many names were linked to the job, including Zoe Ball and Rylan Clark, before Emma, Johannes and Josh were announced last month.
Touching on the chemistry test that they passed with flying colours, she continued: “I think it’s important that everybody gets along with each other, and those personalities can come together as one.”
During the chat, Susanna, who was a runner-up alongside professional dancer Kevin Clifton in 2013, couldn’t resist attempting to get some details over who will be competing for the glitterball when the series returns later this year.
“I knew you were going to ask me that,” Shirley laughed. “We do [know]. It’s quite extraordinary. There are going to be some people on there where you’re going to go, ‘Wow!’
“I can’t tell you the names, obviously, but you know the BBC always pick the incredible chemistry between all of the celebrities. The whole thing, for me, actually, is quite extraordinary.”
While there are few details about who will be taking a spin around the dancefloor, Lacey Turner and Jeff Brazier are among the names who have been tipped to take part.
Teasing the huge changes ahead for viewers, Shirley revealed that there would be “tweaks” to the set before the new set of celebrities arrive.
“New dancers, new presenters. I heard there was supposed to be a new set but don’t believe everything you read,” she added. “I don’t think they’ll change it, maybe tweaks here and there but no major changes.
“You should be way excited for this series, that I can assure you.”
Good Morning Britain continues on weekdays at 6am on ITV.
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