Strictly Come Dancing viewers have reached a consensus about Emma Willis, praising her as "even better" than former host Tess Daly, despite backlash over the new presenting trio.
The BBC show's presenting team was shaken up after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman left, with hosting duties now shared between Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe. While Emma has been praised, both Josh and Johannes have faced criticism as they settle into their roles.
Three-presenter format criticised
A major complaint from viewers is that the three-presenter format feels overcrowded and cluttered. Some argue that Josh, 43, seems out of place or "like a spare part" alongside Emma, and that his comedic instincts lead him to talk over fellow presenters or contestants.
Meanwhile, many viewers with a soft spot for Johannes, 39, are frustrated that the professional dancer was moved to an interview role upstairs rather than remaining on the dance floor. Some suggest Josh would be better suited to the "Clauditorium" slot upstairs, where his quick-fire wit could shine.
Technical sound issues during the opening episodes, in which Johannes' soft-spoken voice was repeatedly drowned out by the studio crowd, also drew complaints, though most blame was directed at the audio mixing rather than Johannes himself.
Emma praised as 'a natural'
Despite the backlash, many viewers believe Emma, 50, is more than capable of holding the main ballroom floor on her own. Following the latest episode, a growing number have come to the same verdict — that Emma is "even better" than former host Tess in the role.
One viewer wrote on X after last Saturday's show: "Controversial but Emma is so much better than Tess!" The opinion proved far less divisive than expected, racking up hundreds of likes.
One person replied: "Totally agree. I couldn't bear Tess with her awkwardness." Another chimed in: "Not controversial in the slightest, just absolutely true. She's one of the best about." A third added: "A million times better. Emma's a natural." While a fourth simply declared: "Not controversial, just facts."
It Takes Two changes draw mixed response
The comments follow widespread praise for the daytime spin-off, Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, with many hailing new presenter Ellie Taylor as a brilliant fit. Ellie, 42, replaced the duo of Fleur East and Janette Manrara, and viewers and critics alike have warmly welcomed the comedian, with many flagging her as a standout addition.
Scores of fans have praised her "vibrant energy", infectious enthusiasm and sharp comic timing. Some have even suggested she is outshining the main show's presenting team, with a number arguing she deserved the lead presenter spot alongside Emma.
However, It Takes Two as a whole has come under fire online due to sweeping changes made by the production team. Viewers have voiced frustration that the revamped format splits celebrity contestants from their professional dance partners during mid-week interviews, featuring them separately rather than together. Some critics have also suggested the relaunched spin-off feels far too frantic, over-scripted and "pantomime-like".
Emma Willis's presenting career
Emma Willis is one of the UK's most prolific TV presenters, having hosted a huge mix of reality TV, talent competitions, spin-off shows and documentaries. She took over hosting duties for Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother from Brian Dowling between 2013-2018, and previously hosted spin-offs Big Brother's Bit on the Side and Big Brother's Little Brother.
Since 2014, Emma was the main host of singing competition The Voice UK across both its BBC and ITV runs, as well as The Voice Kids. She has since been replaced as host by Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon for the next series. Alongside Strictly, Emma hosts Netflix show Love Is Blind: UK alongside her husband Matt Willis, which the pair have worked on since 2024.
Previously, she also hosted series 2 and 3 of social-media strategy reality show The Circle, as well as spin-off The Celebrity Circle. As well as reality shows, Emma has fronted a host of lifestyle, factual and food shows, including W's Emma Willis: Delivering Babies (2018–present), ITV's Cooking with the Stars (2021–present), Prime Video's The World Cook (2023–2024) and Channel 4's The Great Home Transformation (2022), which she co-presented with Nick Grimshaw.
In her early career, she was a host on MTV UK/TRL between 2002–2005 and co-hosted the I'm A Celebrity spin-off show, I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! NOW!, between 2007-2008. Emma is also a regular stand-in host and guest anchor across ITV daytime shows This Morning and Loose Women, and co-hosted the BRIT Awards alongside Dermot O'Leary in 2017.
The next episode of Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday 10 October 2026 at 6:15 pm on BBC One.
