Emma Willis says Strictly is a ‘genuine honour’ as new hosts open new series

The trio have taken over from long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down last year.Willis said: “It is our genuine honour to be here, and we cannot wait to spend the next 13 weeks with all of you.”Radebe added: “It’s a brand new year in the ballroom, which means 15 new celebrities, 15 new partnerships, and four people they’re going to be desperate to impress.”Emma Willis opened Saturday night’s show (Guy Levy/BBC)PA MediaWillis then said: “Ok, we need to do this bit justice. Are we ready?”The trio then collectively said: “Please welcome, the judges.”The launch show opened with a dance number from the professionals, judges and the new hosts, and will see the celebrity contestants meet their partners for the first time on the dancefloor, rather than in a separate video.After introducing the show, Willis said: “Never in a million years did I ever think I would get to dance with Strictly pros.”Radebe added: “And I definitely never thought it would be the three of us standing in the spot.Widdicombe interjected: “No, I’ll be honest, not many people did, Johannes.“Why’s that got more of a laugh than I was hoping, but there we are, it’s a little bit overwhelming to be here, but we are so delighted.”During the opening part of the launch show, the trio presented on the dancefloor and in the auditorium, which was nicknamed the “Clauditorium” during Winkleman’s time on the show, together.The new hosts speaking to the new celebrity contestants (Guy Levy/BBC)PA MediaIn the auditorium, Widdicombe told former Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey that she was the first Dame to compete on Strictly, before joking: “Mary Berry pulled out at the last minute.”Five new professional dancers are also joining the show this year: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita.After the opening dance performance, Willis announced: “This is Strictly Come Dancing.”