Strictly Come Dancing viewers have been muting their televisions and calling for an intervention over comedian Josh Widdicombe's jokes during the third live show of the new series.
The BBC show returned with a new hosting line-up of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, a change that has divided fans since it was announced. While some appreciate the fresh approach, others feel the presenters are not up to the job.
Viewers call for intervention
On Saturday night, some fans said they muted the presenters. One asked: "Anyone else muting the presenters?" Another viewer shared: "We need an intervention for Josh at this stage." A third demanded: "Please be quiet Josh, the jokes aren't joking."
Some viewers also felt the judges seemed tense, with one adding: "I get the feeling even Craig isn't impressed with Josh." A second shared: "Josh is p****** Craig off." A third observed: "#Strictly Craig says: 'What are you doing, Josh?' I will just leave that there. #SCD #StrictlyComeDancing."
Craig's reaction to Josh's joke
The viewer's post was in response to an exchange between Craig Revel Horwood and Josh following Dani Dyer's Tango. Judge Anton Du Beke had made comments about Dani's frame and stride, using his arms to demonstrate the areas she needed to work on.
Josh then copied the arm movements as he asked Craig for his opinion on the dance, prompting Craig to look puzzled as he asked: "What are you doing, Josh? What's that about?" Everyone appeared to take it on the chin as Josh, Emma and Craig laughed.
Fans praise presenting improvement
However, plenty of fans saw a vast improvement in the presenting, with one saying: "I'm enjoying the presenting tonight. Everyone seems so much more relaxed." Another commented: "I will say this week Josh Widdicombe was better as he didn't look like he was the odd one out with Emma and Johannes."
Another fan shared: "Controversial maybe, but I think the Strictly presenting line-up is great. Emma brings the professional broadcaster experience, Josh is a hilarious loose cannon and JoJo is great doing the after dance bit, I think he’s a natural. Keep going guys."
A final fan observed: "I know it’s probably just me. But Josh and Johannes have really come into their own the last 2 weeks. I love the way Josh and Emma stand up for the contestants too."
Josh has spoken out about his Strictly experience so far, calling it "joyous". Before the first live show, he was asked what his favourite thing was about working with Emma and Johannes, sharing: "That we feel like a team where there's no ego. That there's no one wanting to put themselves out front more than the others. That we feel like we've all got our different personalities and they gel together."
He added: "Emma and Johannes are just so generous, sweet and funny - they make working on Strictly feel even more exciting and joyous to me."
Strictly Come Dancing returns for the results show on BBC One at 7.10pm.
