// BBC ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS — MODA & SOCIETÀ
Strictly returns with new hosting trio as celebrities find out dance pairings
New Strictly presenters: 'Never thought it would be the three of us!'
Strictly Come Dancing has returned to the small screen for its 24th series, in a new era for the show as it moves forward with a revamped presenting line up.
Broadcaster Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and former Strictly professional Johannes Radebe made their presenting debut on Saturday, taking over from long-running hosting duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who left the show last year.
A fresh cohort of famous faces – including actress Melanie Walters and former England footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips – also stepped onto the ballroom floor for the first time.
During the launch show, it was revealed which professional dancers they were paired with.
Stepping out onto the ballroom floor after a huge all-cast opening dance routine, Willis said presenting Strictly was a "genuine honour".
"Josh, you've got moves," proclaimed Radebe, a former professional on the show. While Widdicombe added that it was "a little bit overwhelming" but he was "delighted" to be there.
In a first for the show, celebrity and pro pairings were revealed via three dance routines. It functioned as a musical chairs of sorts, in which the contestants switched partners until the music was paused, and a couple was announced.
Hair stylist to the stars Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden
Australian singer and actress Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington