Emma Willis has responded to criticism following her Strictly Come Dancing live debut, posting a thinly veiled message on Instagram. The 50-year-old broadcaster joined Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe as a host for the 2026 series, taking over from Tess Daly.
While Emma received widespread praise for her first live show, social media users targeted her co-hosts. Comedian Josh, 43, was branded a 'spare part' in cruel comments, prompting fans and Strictly colleagues to rally around him.
Emma's cryptic Instagram response
Emma shared a series of backstage photos from the weekend, including a picture with her husband Matt Willis and contestants Will Best and Shaun Wright-Phillips. She ended the post with a quote: 'You will get judged either way, so may as well pick the fun option'.
Johannes, 39, left a red love heart in the comments, while fans called Emma 'amazing' and a 'natural'. One follower, @suzanne_george1965, wrote: 'I think you all did brilliantly', and @hugsy113 added: 'Loving you, Josh and Johannes ❤️❤️'.
Professional dancer Lauren Oakley defends the trio
Professional dancer Lauren Oakley also addressed the negative reaction, posting a photo of the new hosts with a supportive message. She wrote: 'We couldn't be in safer hands than with these beautiful people.'
Lauren added: 'Strictly is about family, uplifting others, and creating a safe space for celebrity contestants to be vulnerable and do something so outside of their comfort zone. This trio have been so warm and welcoming, and they felt like family from the minute they stepped into the studio, and we LOVE having them with us.'
She described them as 'professional, funny, kind and fantastic at what they do', adding: 'I couldn't feel more lucky to be sharing the screen and our Saturday nights with them!'
Judge Motsi Mabuse and former hosts show support
Josh has not commented on the reviews but reposted Lauren's Instagram Story with three love hearts. Judge Motsi Mabuse had previously spoken out on Threads after the launch show, saying: 'While people type away, tearing apart real human beings on television, real emotions !!!!!!! AI is getting better at replacing them. One day we might not even know the difference. And maybe then we'll miss the days when television was still beautifully, imperfectly human.'
Former hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman also congratulated the trio when their roles were announced. Tess commented: 'Can't wait to tune in 😍 the ultimate trio 🔥💕', while Claudia wrote: 'MAGNIFICENT. What a trio ❤️❤️❤️❤️'. Celebrities including Rylan Clark, Zoe Ball, and Clara Amfo also sent congratulations.
Other changes to Strictly this season
The new hosts are not the only change this series. Five new professional dancers – Mark Karmalita, Maddie Ingoldsby, Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, and Lethabo Monametsi – replaced Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas. Ellie Taylor took over from Fleur East and Janette Manrara on spin-off It Takes Two, which also has a new studio and format.
Viewers noticed minor tweaks in the first live show, including how couples' routines were announced, the opening titles, and a new version of the theme tune and logo. The celebrity-pro partner reveal was done in a musical chairs-style number.
The first live show averaged 4.8 million viewers across its two-and-a-half-hour broadcast, with a peak of five million – down from 6.2 million for last year's opening live show. Strictly Come Dancing airs at weekends on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
