Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has given her verdict on the show's new hosts.
The 65-year-old ballroom star shared her excitement for the shake-up in a recent interview.
Ballas praised Emma Willis as “a true professional” and called Johannes Radebe “a shining star.”
She also welcomed comedian Josh Widdicombe to the line-up, which was announced earlier this week.
Shirley Ballas shares verdict on Strictly's new hosts
Ballas said: “I’ve worked with Emma (Willis) before on Cooking With The Stars and she is a true professional.
“And who doesn’t love JoJo (Johannes Radebe)?
“He’s a shining star.
“And I’m looking forward to the banter Josh (Widdicombe) is going to bring, he’s a fabulous comedian, I know he’s going to give Craig Revel Horwood a run for his money with the comebacks.”
The new presenters join the long-running BBC show following the departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down last year.
Ballas will return to the judging panel when the series resumes in September.
The interview also touched on Ballas’ personal life, including her living arrangements.
She currently lives with her 88-year-old mother Audrey Rich in south-east London and described the set-up as “the most joyous thing.”
She said: “She does the washing and the ironing, and still stands on a stool to clean her ornaments – though I wish she wouldn’t.
“She puts the meals on the table, things like vegetable casseroles, and I take care of the rest.
Recommended Reading
- Johannes Radebe left in tears on stage after securing Strictly Come Dancing job
- Strictly's new hosts confirmed as Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe
- 'This wasn't my time sadly' - TV star reveals they were in race for Strictly host gig
“We are a bit like husband and wife.”
Ballas said her mother is “self-sufficient,” unlike some of her former partners.
She said: “I’ve had a few boyfriends and I just found myself always having to take care of them.
“My mother, however, is self-sufficient.
“She doesn’t like a fuss, she doesn’t tell me what to say or tell me what to do.”
Share