Strictly Come Dancing presenter Josh Widdicombe has opened up about his new hosting role, admitting that eliminations have made him feel "terrible" and that he "hated" sending someone home.
The comedian appeared on the BBC's companion programme Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two on Thursday, October 8, where he spoke with host Ellie Taylor. The 43-year-old is one of three new hosts alongside Emma Willis and former professional dancer Johannes Radebe, but he has faced criticism, with viewers unconvinced that three hosts are required. Many viewers also voiced opinions on social media suggesting Josh should be conducting celebrity interviews in the 'Clauditorium' after the performances rather than chatting with the judging panel alongside Emma.
Josh's honest admission about eliminations
During his It Takes Two appearance, Josh opened up to Ellie about presenting his first results show last weekend, which saw celebrity hairdresser Chris Appleton and Welsh pro Amy Dowden leave, reports Wales Online.
Josh confessed: "I know this sounds weird but when I took the Strictly job I didn't realise how difficult eliminations was going to be, emotions would be... it's so intense, you feel terrible."
During the results programme, audiences were delighted to observe a presenting reshuffle, with Josh joining Johannes in the Clauditorium to speak with the dancers who'd progressed to the next week, while Emma remained downstairs to reveal the couples facing elimination.
Josh remarked: "You know what, being upstairs with JoJo talking to the couples that got through... what a sweet gig that is. Poor old Emma downstairs. We're upstairs with the people who are through, but it's really sad."
First results show experience
After last weekend's results programme, the trio featured on the new series Strictly: Lights Up, presented by Abi Clarke and Tyler West. They discussed their experiences following their inaugural elimination show.
Abi addressed Josh, asking: "Josh, first results show for you. How does it feel to send someone home?" Josh replied: "I hated that. It's awful. Can I say that?" Johannes subsequently added: "You can absolutely say that, because that's the part of the show that I do not miss."
Emotional farewell for Chris and Amy
Caerphilly-born Amy and Chris featured on It Takes Two on Monday after their departure. Following a compilation of Chris' best moments during his Strictly journey, he became visibly emotional and broke down in tears.
He said: "Why did you have to show that? Oh my god, it's just been a phenomenal experience." He added: "There were times where I was like, 'I'm not sure I can do this', but I did it.
"All I did was look back at Amy, I'd see her smile, and I knew she was with me, and you know what? That says something about the show, to have people that care so much about you."
Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
