Strictly Come Dancing faced criticism when it returned for its first elimination episode of the series tonight and discovered the new hosts' roles hadn't had a shake up.
The 2026 season experienced a turbulent start after Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who confirmed their departure during the 2025 series.
Viewers call for presenting shake-up
Following the first live episode last week, viewers expressed frustration when Josh and Emma were assigned to interview the celebrities and judges in the ballroom, while Johannes assumed Claudia's previous position of capturing score reactions backstage.
Viewers had requested Josh and Johannes swap responsibilities, believing Josh's comic abilities and natural timing would be better suited to the spontaneity of backstage coverage, rather than working from an autocue. Yet they were let down to discover the programme had returned with the presenters in identical positions, triggering criticism on social media.
Social media reaction
One viewer remarked: "Really surprised they haven't switched and tried Josh in the upstairs role after the feedback from last week." Another complained: "No, this presenter lineup still isn't working. #Strictly Not for me anymore," reports the Express.
A third added: "I don't understand why they're not varying the presenting. Why is Johannes in the Clauditorium again? I'd have thought they would have swapped over and had Josh Widdicombe there this week after presenting on the floor last week." A fourth concurred: "I really wish they had put JoJo and Josh together upstairs."
A fifth viewer complained: "oh god. They're sticking with Johannes upstairs. I'd thought they'd have learnt from last week. Emma doesn't need propped up by Josh." However, one viewer defended the decision: "No Josh Widdicombe bashing tonight please. Just watch the contestants instead."
Movie Week opener and Lethabo praise
The programme opened with a Top Gun-themed sketch before transitioning into a lavish Zootropolis 2 spectacular to mark the comeback of Movie Week. The pros were led by newcomer Lethabo Monametsi, whose "mesmerising" stage presence had fans completely captivated.
This prompted viewers to voice frustrations about Lethabo not being allocated a celebrity partner this series. "I've seen enough give Lethabo a partner next year," one person insisted on X. Another chimed in: "Lethabo is INCREDIBLE!! I wish she'd been given a partner, what a star she is!!" A third declared: "Lethabo is mesmerising to watch and we only get to see her in group dances."
Someone else remarked: "Lethabo should've had a celeb partner she is a STARR." A fifth admirer reinforced the view, stating: "That new dancer Lethabo might be the best female pro they've ever had." Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
