EMMA Willis is to be unveiled as a new host of Strictly Come Dancing.
The mum of three, 50, has agreed terms and the BBC is expected to announce the move shortly.
Emma Willis is set to be unveiled as the new host of Strictly Come Dancing Credit: WireImage
She is taking over from veteran hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly Credit: BBC/Ray Burmiston
The Sun first revealed Emma – described by insiders as a “safe pair of hands” – was in February.
A source said: “Emma has been offered 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 and to be trusted with the new era is something Emma feels incredibly proud and humbled by.”
Mum-of-three Emma is taking over from veteran hosts , 57, and , 54, who announced they were in October last year.
Insiders said , 55, who The Sun revealed has , is expected to be the woman asked to join Emma, 50, as the new presenting duo.
Emma is said to have ‘absolutely nailed the chemistry tests’ Credit: Getty
Former hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced they were stepping down from Strictly in October last year Credit: BBC
A source added: “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.
“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.”
The Sun first revealed former Radio 2 DJ job back in December.
BBC bosses enlisted a they wanted to chemistry test for the roles.
Stars including , 45, , 49, , 55, and , 51, were approached but ruled themselves out.
, 49, and , 37, were also tested as “hot” favourites” by the BBC but insiders said they failed to make the final cut, along with , 65, and Rob Rinder, 47.
Zoe Ball is expected to be the woman asked to join Emma Credit: Alamy
Emma has landed a string of high-profile presenting roles after starting out her TV career on MTV Credit: Alamy
A source added: “The BBC had a plethora of talent
“There was no favouritism. It was all about who had the best chemistry and what worked on screen.
“Losing Tess and Claudia as hosts is massive and the BBC know they need to get the presenters right to keep the audience happy.
“The loyal Strictly fans, who have been with the show since it first aired in 2004, are what keeps the show alive and the BBC are always striving to impress them.”
Emma will be working alongside Strictly judges Anton Du Beke, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood Credit: PA
Back in 2021, Emma said she was keen to take part in Strictly Credit: Getty
Emma, who is married to musician Matt, started her TV career on in the early Noughties before landing a string of high profile presenting roles.
Her role as the host of Channel 5’s and its spin off proved her mettle with live reporting, along with jobs including hosting UK, for both the BBC and , along with stints on and .
Emma is also the host of Radio 2’s afternoon slot on Saturday’s.
Back in 2021, Emma said she was keen to take part in Strictly and told The Sun: “If I had time, I would do it in a heartbeat. Like I absolutely love it.”
A representative for Emma declined to comment while a spokesperson for the BBC said: “Plans for 2026 will be confirmed in due course.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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