Strictly Come Dancing presenter Josh Widdicombe came under fire from viewers within seconds of Saturday night's Icons Week opener, after stumbling over his words in his very first line.
The show, which celebrates music's greatest legends and their iconic hits, saw co-host Emma Willis open proceedings by declaring: "Welcome to Strictly Come Dancing, and the next milestone in the calendar because it's Icons Week."
Johannes Radebe followed with: "Tonight we have 12 incredible headliners for you, as our couples take on some of the greatest music legends of all time."
Autocue stumble sparks immediate criticism
In his first line, Josh attempted to prime viewers for some "spectacular" transformations, only to stumble over the word itself. He quickly regained his composure, telling the audience: "Prepare yourselves for some spectacular transformations, a killer playlist and a seemingly never-ending collection of wigs."
Viewers at home were quick to react on social media, with one user posting on X: "Josh fecked up his first line already." Another commented: "How many times is Josh gonna fluff his autocue tonight." A third wrote: "Josh fudges up his lines after 50 seconds of the show My Strictly bingo card is on absolute fire already!"
Further criticism followed, with one viewer remarking: "Just started watching #Strictly & Josh Widdicombe has already messed up reading off an autocue.."
Ongoing criticism since debut
The 43-year-old comedian has faced considerable criticism since making his debut on the show last month. A number of viewers have suggested that Josh would be better placed in the upstairs role, conducting interviews with contestants after their performances, though he has continued to present alongside Emma downstairs.
Minutes into Saturday's episode, one viewer wrote: "I thought they said they were going to play with having the presenters trying all the roles, but they persist with Emma and Josh downstairs, and it's still not working." Another commented: "Three presenters is totally awkward & pointless. Josh Widdicome continues to act like an attention seeking spare part."
A third suggested that Josh "still looks lost," while another urged: "Get Josh upstairs FGS @bbcstrictly."
Some viewers defend presenter
Yet not everybody shares this view, with many admitting they are growing fonder of Josh as a presenter. "Josh seems to be getting better each week. I like him & Emma together," one viewer remarked. Prior to the show's broadcast, another declared: "I think he's brilliant," while somebody else added: "I'm enjoying these presenters, it's a fun vibe."
