The method used by Strictly Come Dancing to keep the identities of its new hosts a secret has now been revealed. Johannes Radebe, Josh Widdicombe, and Emma Willis — who are set to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman — shared details about the elaborate ruse they were told to participate in. The trio were instructed to pretend they were auditioning for a fictitious TV show called The Great Garden Glow Up, a fictional gardening program created specifically to keep their real purpose under wraps. The announcement that they would be taking over as hosts came as a surprise to many, even though there had been some speculation beforehand. The BBC went to great lengths to ensure the secrecy of the auditions. Each of the hosts was individually asked to attend chemistry tests, which are typically used to assess compatibility between presenters. They were picked up in cars without being told the destination and were made to believe they were being taken in for a gardening show. The hosts were instructed not to reveal what they were actually auditioning for, and even the drivers were under the impression they were transporting the trio for a different program. Willis compared the experience to the popular reality show The Traitors, where participants are kept in the dark about their true objective. When the trio arrived at the studio, they found a mock set-up that resembled a real Strictly audition. The set included a camera crew and production staff acting as stand-ins for the judges. This elaborate setup was designed to maintain the illusion that they were auditioning for a different show. Now, the presenting trio will be at the center of Strictly Come Dancing as it returns for its 24th series this month. The launch show will air on 19 September, when celebrity contestants will meet their professional dance partners for the first time. This year, Strictly has also seen a major change in its professional dance cast, with several fan favorites leaving and five new dancers joining. The first live show will take place on 26 September, where all 15 contestants will perform in front of the public for the first time. The show continues to be a major event in British television, drawing millions of viewers each week.