Strictly Come Dancing fans have voiced their verdict on the new hosting trio after the first live show of the 2026 series aired on September 26. While the show was full of sparkles, dancing and boos for judge Craig Revel Horwood, viewers claimed BBC bosses missed an opportunity once the show ended.
New presenting line-up for 2026
With five million viewers reportedly tuning in, many fans were eager to see how the new presenting trio would fare under the pressure of hosting live. Following last year's announcement of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's exit, Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe are the new hosts for 2026.
Many fans were unsure how the dynamic between the three presenters would compare to Tess and Claudia's set roles. For the first episode, Emma and Josh spoke to contestants and judges on the ballroom floor while Johannes was placed upstairs for the scoring.
Fans call for Ellie Taylor in main show
While it has not been confirmed if these roles will stay the same throughout the series or be switched up, viewers have already started to cast their judgement. After a high-energy two-and-a-half-hour show, many fans noticed a "missed opportunity".
Taking to X, one social media user argued Ellie Taylor would have been a better choice for hosting the main show this year alongside Emma. The comedian has been cast as the new presenter for Strictly It Takes Two, but some fans believe she needs an upgrade.
The fan wrote: "Ellie Taylor in one minute proved that she should have been in the Clauditorium. She brought the sparkle and energy. There it is: Emma and Ellie could have owned this show in their sleep. Jojo and Josh on It Takes Two."
Many fans agreed, as one person added: "Yes, yes, yes. As soon as she came on it was like SO obvious that she would have been the perfect fit!" While another viewer claimed that Ellie and Emma would have been "perfect".
A third social media user commented: "I thought the exact same thing. What a missed opportunity." Followed by another writing: "Totally agree although, I wouldn't have Josh anywhere near Strictly he just looks out of place!"
Mixed reactions to the trio
Many people also were not impressed by the dynamic of the three hosts. One person wrote: "The aesthetic of having three presenters is just such a basic failure, I’m amazed it was ever signed off, Josh might grow in his role but he’s squashed at the edge of the ballroom, looking uncomfortable."
Another person also argued: "For me the problem is that three hosts just aren't needed. He's just standing there awkwardly next to Emma without much to do. Josh should've been up where Johannes is and Johannes should be dancing in my opinion."
While one viewer asked: "It really begs the question what ‘TV professionals’ are making these decisions?"
However, many other viewers have praised the trio, as one Facebook user said: "I actually love the new presenters. Tess and Claudia were great but Tess never made me laugh and I found her quite awkward most of the time. Emma and Josh actually made me laugh."
Another fan also wrote: "I am warming to the presenters and line up. Emma Willia is outstanding, but she has done a lot of presenting gigs. Josh needs to settle in more, as does Johannes, but I thought both did well tonight."
One fan also jumped to the presenters' defense, writing: "Maybe just give it a few weeks then make a judgement? It got better as the show went on last night. They all relaxed. Imagine taking over the biggest show on TV and knowing that everyone online will have an opinion, probably an unfavourable one?"
