Strictly Come Dancing legend Debbie McGee has defended the show's new presenting line-up, saying no single person is bigger than the programme itself.
The trio of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe have faced scrutiny and criticism since taking over from Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly at the start of this season. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, the 67-year-old star empathised with them, suggesting they need time to settle in.
Comparison to Bruce Forsythe era
"It will take at least maybe four or five episodes, maybe longer, and maybe a whole series until it all fits in," she said. "I can remember when Claudia came in after Bruce [Forsythe] had died, and it took ages for her to be accepted and for that little corner to work.
"At first, it was 'oh well, we miss Bruce' and then it just became her own thing. And I'm sure that's what will happen.
"I don't think that there's any one person that's bigger than the show," she added. "Although I loved Claudia and Tess and Bruce in the day, but you know the programme itself carries itself, doesn't it?"
McGee's own Strictly history
McGee is well placed to comment, having appeared on the show twice. Just over a year after the death of her husband Paul Daniels, she was runner-up on the main Saturday night show with her professional partner Giovanni Pernice in 2017. She also returned for the festive special in 2019, which she won dancing a Quickstep to Jingle Bells with Kevin Clifton.
She has been reflecting on her career as she releases her memoir, A Magical Life, which details her extraordinary life.
No jealousy towards current celebrities
Despite her success, McGee insists she feels no pangs of jealousy watching the latest celebrities take to the dance floor this year.
"When I did it people would say to me, 'You're going to be so jealous watching it next year and seeing someone dancing with your partner,'" she laughs. "No, I'm not. I just have the most fantastic memories of doing it, but I also know how hard it was.
"I'm quite happy to sit at home and watch it on the telly with a glass of wine or something. I don't think I could go on and do any better [if I did it again], so what would be the point? I did it, I had my time."
A Magical Life by Debbie McGee (Mirror Books, £22) is out now.
