Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya Jones has described the show's new presenting line-up as "really comforting," offering a three-word verdict on the changes. Speaking on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, September 30, Jones discussed the hosting shake-up with ITV presenters Susanna Reid and Ed Balls.
This year, the BBC show has introduced five new professionals and three new presenters. Following the exit of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe have taken over hosting duties. Some viewers have questioned the need for three presenters, but Jones offered a different perspective.
Praise for Johannes Radebe
Jones, appearing with her celebrity partner John Nellis, explained why having Radebe on the panel is an advantage. "As a dancer, standing there and talking to Johannes, someone who has done it himself, he really empathises with us," she said.
She added: "Having him just after the stressful moment of doing the dance and receiving the scores to come back and go, 'You know what it's like'. I think that's really comforting to have upstairs as a professional dancer." She called it a "good shout" to include a professional dancer in the presenting line-up.
Leaderboard Position and Movie Week
Jones and Nellis currently top the leaderboard after their first live show on September 26, where they performed a Foxtrot routine that earned a score of 31. However, their position could change as points from their upcoming Movie Week performance are added.
During the Good Morning Britain appearance, Nellis hinted at their Movie Week theme, saying: "It's Movie week, and I'm from Belfast, so I think there's a pretty-" Susanna Reid guessed The Commitments, but Nellis clarified that wasn't correct. Jones then revealed they would perform a routine inspired by the 1997 film Titanic.
Reid responded: "Ah, Harland and Wolff, yes, the shipyard." Harland and Wolff is the shipbuilding firm that constructed the RMS Titanic, with construction beginning in 1909 and finishing in early April 1912.
Challenges Ahead
Jones admitted that rehearsals have been tough, saying they were starting "back to square one" and that their bodies are aching from the routine. "The hard thing about Strictly is, yes, we're top of the leaderboard, it's really lovely. We've been watching this video. I'm just so proud of everything we've worked for," she said.
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday, October 3 on BBC One at 6.15pm.
