Strictly Come Dancing returned with new presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdecombe and Johannes Radebe leading the 2026 launch show on September 19, as the new celebrity line-up discovered their professional dance partners. A body language expert has analysed the trio's debut, suggesting that Josh appeared to be struggling under the pressure of his new role.
Body language analysis of the new hosts
Body language expert Inbaal Honigman, speaking on behalf of Covers.com, told Express.co.uk: "Emma is carrying the presenter duties almost single-handedly, and they all know it." Honigman observed that Josh seemed to be panicking internally as he adjusts to the job.
"When the three stand together, Josh leans towards Emma, showing that he is depending on her. Josh tries to tuck himself slightly behind the others, as if trying to avoid getting noticed or picked first at school," she said.
Honigman added: "Josh's eyes are concentrating hard on the space in front of him when he speaks, glancing intently into the prompter as if his life depends on it. He is doing his best to stick to the script, and even in his smile, his mounting panic shows. He smiles with his mouth, cheeks rounded, but Josh's smile doesn't quite reach his eyes. This smile shows that for Josh, this is serious business. He's not having fun yet."
Johannes embraces the challenge
In contrast, Honigman said Johannes appeared to be "having the time of his life", embracing the presenting challenge "with wild abandon".
She continued: "He's embracing the challenge of presenting with wild abandon - Johannes stretches his spine, shoulders back, keen and enthusiastic. His dancer's posture conveys his utter delight at scoring such an incredible job."
"His approach shows that for him, if it doesn't work out, no big deal. He's not questioning himself, whether he's doing his presenter's duties well or not. His thrilled physical stance in his mind, he's a great dancer, so why does he also need to be a great presenter?"
Emma Willis takes the lead
It was clear that Emma was the leader of the group, as Honigman said "Emma is in charge."
"She's super aware of the fact that she's carrying the boys, and she's ok with it. She stands strong, shoulders square with confidence and head held high. She knows her way around a presenting job, so even though this is new, it's not too scary," she said.
Social media reaction to the debut
Josh's debut received a mixed response on social media. One fan said: "Emma....brilliant a natural. JoJo....so so (don't need 3 hosts). Josh...bloody awful - get rid of him."
Another added: "I love Josh but I feel he would be more entertaining as a contestant. He seems like such an odd choice for presenting the show given his comedy background. Plus three hosts is just awkward."
A third chimed in: "Hosting so far: Emma Willis is excellent…Jojo is fine…Josh seems like a spare part." But a fourth said: "Josh Widdecombe has me screaming," adding a series of laughing face emojis.
