Strictly Come Dancing viewers have reached the same conclusion about Emma Willis: she is 'even better' than former host Tess Daly in the role. The praise comes despite the BBC show's new hosting team not enjoying a universally warm welcome from fans.
Emma, 50, presents the main ballroom floor alongside comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes "JoJo" Radebe. Following the departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the three hosts now share duties previously handled by two.
Backlash over new presenting line-up
For some fans, the extra presenter is part of the problem, leaving the revamped line-up feeling 'overcrowded' and 'chaotic'. Others say Josh, 43, appears misplaced or "like a spare part" beside Emma, and that his comic tendencies often result in him interrupting co-presenters or participants.
Meanwhile, while numerous Strictly fans hold affection for Johannes, 39, many are irritated that the professional dancer was shifted to an interview position upstairs instead of staying on the dance floor. Some believe Josh would be far more suitable for the "Clauditorium" role upstairs, where his rapid-fire humour could genuinely flourish.
Audio problems and fan praise for Emma
Technical audio problems during the opening episodes - where Johannes' gentle voice was consistently overwhelmed by the studio audience - also prompted complaints, though most criticism was aimed at the sound engineering rather than Johannes personally.
Despite the negative reaction, a substantial number of viewers remain convinced that Emma is perfectly capable of managing the main ballroom floor completely solo. Following the latest episode, an increasing number of viewers have reached the same conclusion - that Emma is 'even better' than former host Tess in the role.
One viewer posted on X after last Saturday's show: "Controversial but Emma is so much better than Tess!" The view turned out to be far less contentious than anticipated, garnering hundreds of likes in reply.
One person responded: "Totally agree. I couldn't bear Tess with her awkwardness." Another joined in: "Not controversial in the slightest, just absolutely true. She's one of the best about." A third commented: "A million times better. Emma's a natural." While a fourth simply stated: "Not controversial, just facts."
Ellie Taylor wins over It Takes Two viewers
The remarks follow widespread acclaim among fans of Strictly's daytime companion show, Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, with many praising new presenter Ellie Taylor as a perfect match for the hosting position.
Ellie, 42, took over from the presenting pair of Fleur East and former Strictly professional Janette Manrara, and both audiences and critics seem to have embraced the comedian warmly. Numerous fans have lauded her "vibrant energy", contagious enthusiasm and razor-sharp comedic timing.
Some viewers have even suggested she is overshadowing the main show's presenting duo, with several contending she merited the lead presenter position alongside Emma. While Ellie has garnered a decent following personally, It Takes Two has faced backlash online due to significant changes implemented by the production team.
Audiences have expressed their annoyance that the revamped format separates celebrity contestants from their professional dance partners during mid-week interviews, showcasing them individually rather than as a duo. Some critics have also proposed that the reimagined spin-off feels overly hectic, excessively scripted and "pantomime-like".
The next episode of Strictly Come Dancing will air this Saturday, 10 October 2026, at 6:15 pm BST on BBC One.
