Chris McCausland makes stance clear on Tess and Claudia replacements as former BBC Strictly champ weighs in
Chris McCausland has shared his thoughts on the new presenting team set to front Strictly Come Dancing, expressing particular enthusiasm for Josh Widdicombe’s appointment.
The former Strictly champion described Mr Widdicombe as a friend, saying: “He’s quick and funny, but also very warm, and I think that’s what the show needs.”
Speaking to Radio Times, Mr McCausland also backed the BBC’s decision not to seek a like-for-like successor to Claudia Winkleman.
“Trying to replace Claudia directly would have been a mistake,” he said.
Chris McCausland shared his thoughts on the new Strictly presenters
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“Josh is such a different proposition that I don’t think people will compare him to Claudia in the same way they might have done if they’d got another female presenter. I think he’ll be brilliant.”
The remarks come as the programme approaches its September return with a substantially refreshed lineup.
Ms Willis, Mr Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe will take the reins when the BBC show returns this autumn, following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the conclusion of the 2025 series.
The hosting shake-up represents one of the most significant changes in the programme’s history.
Johannes Radebe, Josh Widdicombe and Emma Willis were unveiled as the new Strictly hosts in May | BBC
Ms Daly and Mr Winkleman had become synonymous with the show over many years, making the transition a closely watched moment for the BBC.
It will be nearly two years since Mr McCausland lifted the glitterball trophy alongside his partner Dianne Buswell when the new series launches.
His victory was later highlighted by JB Gill during the show’s acceptance speech at the National Television Awards, where Strictly was named Best Talent Show.
The BBC has also revealed five new professional dancers joining the cast for the forthcoming series.
Chris McCausland approved of Josh Widdicombe replacing Claudia Winkleman
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Aleksandra Iseava, a multiple Ukrainian national Latin champion now based in Italy, and her partner Cristian Priori, a four-time Italian Latin champion, are among the fresh faces.
They are joined by undefeated South African Latin champion Lethabo Monametsi, Bournemouth’s Maddie Ingoldsby — a UK national ballroom champion and eight-time amateur 10-dance world champion — and Canadian two-time national Latin champion Mark Karmilta.
Their arrival follows confirmation that Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas will not be returning to the programme.
Executive producer Sarah James described the incoming quintet as “outstanding world class dancers,” adding that the show could not wait to see them perform under the glitterball.
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell won Strictly Come Dancing in 2024
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Strictly’s NTA triumph came despite a turbulent period for the programme.
Professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima both departed in 2024 amid misconduct allegations, while contestant Wynne Evans was forced to apologise for an inappropriate remark caught on camera.
Pete Wicks, who accepted the award alongside Gill, quipped that the show’s theme tune gave him “PTSD” but insisted Strictly remained among the finest experiences of his career.
The returning professional roster includes established names such as Aljaž Škorjanec, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Nikita Kuzmin and Vito Coppola among fourteen dancers.
Celebrity contestants for the 2026 run are expected to be unveiled throughout the summer. The launch show is scheduled to be pre-recorded on Wednesday, September 9, with a likely broadcast date of Saturday, September 19 on BBC One.
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