Strictly Come Dancing viewers have all voiced the same opinion about new host Josh Widdicombe after his debut on the opening live show of the series.
The BBC One programme returned on Saturday evening (September 26) with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe fronting the new series. Celebrities including Lacey Turner, Jamie Winstone, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Delta Goodrem and Dame Sarah Storey all took their first dancing steps alongside their professional partners.
The judging panel also made its comeback, with Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas returning to deliver their verdicts on the latest contestants.
Viewers call for Josh to move upstairs
Viewers had plenty to say about new presenter Josh Widdicombe, who interviewed the celebrities on the dance floor alongside Emma, while Johannes remained upstairs, reports Wales Online.
One viewer posted on X: "I love Josh on Last Leg but he looks so out of place here!" Another commented: "Josh doesn't need to be there. Emma can do Tess's job on her own."
A third said: "Emma really has to be on her own on the floor." Another viewer pondered: "Josh should be upstairs with JoJo to have some banter with the contestants. We don't need him with Emma."
Mixed reactions to the new format
A fifth chimed in: "Josh does not need to be standing next to Emma in every introduction and performance discussion with judges. Emma is a brilliant presenter and doesn't need Josh to make the show work. Give him another role."
Another fan commented: "Josh needs to be upstairs and given the chance to have a laugh. Having him with Emma is pointless #Strictly" while another added: "If they want that comedy element and fun they should've put Josh upstairs and left Johannes with Emma."
However, one person came to Josh's defence, writing: "Not loving the hate for Josh. I wish people would just give him a chance; we're literally 15 minutes into the first live show!"
Another said: "Can I just say... Emma, Josh and JoJo are SMASHING it! ! ! ! The people who doubted them really cannot complain anymore."
Josh on landing the role
Recently, Josh spoke about his new role as Strictly host and revealed that when he and Johannes were brought together at a secret location in London, both were left "surprised".
Josh explained: "You could see us go 'WHAT?' This is a weird duo. Surely they're not going with Jojo and Jojo?" He continued: "I thought that perhaps they were putting two wild-card, oddball choices in the same room to see who to choose."
The star of Mock the Week added: "I thought the whole experience was a fun thing that would fizzle out. It's dangerous to dream, right?"
Strictly Come Dancing airs every weekend on BBC One.
