Strictly's new presenter Emma Willis shares behind the scenes photos of hosts' autocue practice and their first look at the studio as Claudia Winkleman sends her support

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 13:03 EDT, 20 September 2026 | Updated: 13:26 EDT, 20 September 2026 Strictly's new presenter Emma Willis shared behind the scenes photos after the series kicked off on Saturday night. The host, 43, took to Instagram on Sunday and gave an insight into all the preparations for the launch show. In one photo, Emma beamed as she did a run-through of the script alongside her co-hosts Johannes Radebe, 39, and Josh Widdicombe, 43, with the autocue visible in the background. In another snap, Johannes posed next to their official promo shot in a red dressing gown. Other photos showed the professional dancers getting ready to walk out onto the dancefloor and a dress rehearsal of the group dance. Emma captioned the post: 'Here's the #Strictly story so far.' Former host Claudia Winkleman showed her support by adding a string of love heart emojis in the comment section. Strictly's new presenter Emma Willis shared behind the scenes photos after the series kicked off on Saturday night The host, 43, took to Instagram on Sunday and gave an insight into all the preparations for the launch showEmma, Johannes and Josh took over from Claudia and Tess Daly after they stepped down from the show last year. A number of Emma's showbiz pals also took to the comment section to praise her after watching the launch episode. Scarlett Moffatt wrote: 'You were all amazing! I felt like I had been invited to a party from my living room! Smashed it.'Giovanna Fletcher said: 'So proud of you. We're all in for a treat seeing your joy and warmth on our telly every weekend.'Former Strictly star Catherine Tyldesley added: 'You guys smashed it! Loving this combo!' while Strictly pro Dianne Buswell added: 'You were all brilliant.'On Saturday, the pre-recorded launch show peaked at 5.8 million viewers, according to overnight figures, up slightly on last year’s peak of 5.6 million. However, the episode averaged at 5.3 million viewers, down from 5.4 million in 2025. Viewers at home hailed Emma 'the goddess of British TV' as she launched the series in a plunging glitzy dress.While the TV personality went down a hit with fans, bemused fans asked: 'Why do we need three hosts?' as they shared their verdict on social media. In another snap, Johannes posed next to their official promo shot in a red dressing gown Emma captioned the post: 'Here's the #Strictly story so far.' Former host Claudia Winkleman showed her support by adding a string of love heart emojis in the comment section Emma looked a little daunted by the prospect of taking on the Strictly presenting role in one snap The new presenters grinned during dress rehearsals A whiteboard had the sweet message: 'Welcome Emma, Josh and Jojo' Other photos showed the professional dancers getting ready to walk out onto the dancefloor Emma shared an insight into the dress rehearsals The presenter seemed as proud as punch to get her own dressing room A number of Emma's showbiz pals also took to the comment section to praise her after watching the launch episode Emma, Johannes and Josh took over from Claudia and Tess Daly (pictured) after they stepped down from the show last yearUsers wrote on X: 'i love emma, jojo and josh but it feels so odd without tess and claude, this is gonna take some getting used to,''I can’t understand why we need 3 presenters???''3 hosts are different but I love emma willis so happy she’s part of this,''Emma and Johannes have got this but Josh just does not fit #Strictly,' 'Why does it need 3 presenters? It just doesn't work,' 'Is it way too early to say I’m not sold on these hosts and I want Tess and Claud back? #strictly,'