Willis

Emma Willis dropped several hints on Instagram before the official BBC Strictly Come Dancing presenter announcement – and these five telling clues show she was always destined for the role

With the news announced today (May 19) that Emma Willis is joining Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe in the ultimate Strictly hosting trio, we’ve been examining her Instagram feed for the telltale signs that this had been in the pipeline for quite some time.

Following months of wild speculation after Tess and Claudia’s emotional exit, the BBC has at last announced that Emma Willis is entering the nation’s most dazzling ballroom. Yet for devoted followers monitoring @‌emmawillisofficial, the reveal may not have been entirely unexpected, as online detectives have been doing their thing! Scrolling through her stylish Instagram profile, it appears Emma has been leaving clues about her Strictly Come Dancing fate for months.

From perfecting the quintessential presenter look to demonstrating her live broadcasting prowess, here are the subtle signals that suggested she was always destined for the ballroom.

1. The trademark ‘Claudia’ power suits

If there’s one commandment of Strictly presenting, it’s that you need an impeccable wardrobe of tailored suits—and Emma’s Instagram essentially serves as a tutorial in power dressing.

Well before the BBC’s official word, her profile has been brimming with sharp tailoring, pristine blazers, and sophisticated monochrome ensembles. Whether she’s sporting a velvet suit that channels “Movie Week” or a polished black tuxedo radiating serious Claudia Winkleman vibes, Emma has been visually campaigning for the Saturday night style icon position for years.

2. Mastering the co-host dynamic

Tess and Claudia were the ultimate television double act, meaning any successor needed to know how to share the spotlight. Fortunately, Emma’s recent social media activity has been largely centred on her effortless chemistry with her favourite co-host: her husband, Matt Willis.

Through their promotional content for Love Is Blind UK, Emma has demonstrated she is the undisputed queen of the sideways glance, the encouraging nod, and the sharp-witted ad-lib.

If she can manage emotionally volatile reality stars while bouncing off her husband, keeping Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe in check on a live Saturday night will be an absolute doddle.

3.Live TV glamour prep

You can’t simply waltz onto the Strictly set without a genuine appreciation for serious glamour, and Emma’s behind-the-scenes posts have been quietly radiating “high production value.” Her feed is scattered with backstage selfies in the makeup chair, highlighting her flawless, camera-ready look and her famously stylish, cropped hair being expertly perfected by her team of stylists.

She has a profound appreciation for the effort required to get television-ready, regularly tagging her glam squad. She’s already well-versed in spending hours in the makeup chair — now they simply need to double the hairspray and throw in a few rhinestones.

4. Ballroom-ready fitness

While she may be clutching the microphone instead of performing the Argentine Tango, presenting Strictly demands hours of standing in stilettos, racing up and down those iconic stairs, and maintaining relentless energy.

Throughout the past year, Emma’s followers will have spotted subtle hints about her remarkable fitness regimen. From Pilates classes to core-focused training, she’s been steadily developing the endurance needed to endure the demanding autumn timetable. Those stairs won’t stand a chance.

5. A secret penchant for sequins

Emma is typically recognised for her low-key, effortlessly chic style, but occasionally, her feed unveils a glimpse of pure theatricality.

A surprise appearance of a shimmering party frock here, a glittering statement piece there—these were the key subliminal hints. She’s been gradually preparing us for a universe where she can confidently stand alongside a rhumba performer draped entirely in Swarovski crystals without appearing remotely uncomfortable.

The Verdict

The BBC couldn’t have selected a superior candidate. Emma Willis’s Instagram demonstrates she holds the precise combination needed to embrace the Strictly role: she’s exceptionally stylish, genuinely compassionate, and completely unruffled by live broadcasting mayhem.

People have been leaving comments on her social media saying that she’ll be “perfect” for the role, and they can’t wait to watch the three of them in action.

As she teams up with Josh and Johannes to introduce a brand-new chapter of Saturday evening entertainment, one thing is guaranteed, and that’s that her feed is about to become considerably more dazzling.

It has been reported that a popular pair of presenters have signed up to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing after impressing bosses

Emma Willis is said to have been offered the Strictly Come Dancing hosting role alongside another famous face.

There has been much speculation about who might replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on the BBC Latin and ballroom show after they chose to step down from the show last year.

It is believed the BBC held auditions for a number of stars, and it has now been reportedly revealed that the BBC are set to offer the role to Emma Willis, with Zoe Ball also expected to take on the second role.

A source said: “Emma has been offered the Strictly job and is going to accept. She absolutely nailed the chemistry tests and the BBC adore her. Emma is a household name and a safe pair of hands so the BBC know she will do the job justice.

“She’s incredibly popular with the public too and will suit the role down to a tee. She was absolutely thrilled to have been offered the job. Strictly is one of the biggest shows on television and to be trusted with the new era is something Emma feels incredibly proud and humbled by.”

It is believed Zoe Ball will also be asked to star alongside Emma, taking over from Tess and Claudia. The pair reportedly did a chemistry test together, as well as other pairings including Alex Jones and Rylan Clark and Bradley Walsh and Rob Rinder.

“Emma is seen as the Tess of the duo. Her background in live – and occasionally tense – broadcasting situations means she can handle anything that is thrown at her,” a source told The Sun.

“Zoe and her really clicked and it’s looking likely that Zoe will take on the role Claudia held in the auditorium with the celebs and the pro’s. The BBC are excited about how their new look Strictly is coming together and think the public will agree.”

A spokesperson for the BBC told The Mirror: “Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.”

Emma and Zoe are both big names within the BBC, with them both having radio shows with the broadcaster. Emma hosts her own Saturday afternoon show on BBC Radio 2.

She had previously shared how much she loves the BBC dancing show. Speaking in 2021, when asked about taking part on the show, she explained: “If I had time, I would do it in a heartbeat. Like I absolutely love it.”

Tess and Claudia announced back in September that they were quitting the show after the end of that series.

“We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time. We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show,” they said.

“They’re the most brilliant team and we’ll miss them every day. We will cry when we say the last “keep dancing” but we will continue to say it to each other. Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza.”

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