Josh Widdicombe has opened up about working alongside his new Strictly Come Dancing co-hosts Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe, describing the experience as a "joyous" team effort.
The comedian was speaking to the BBC after the show faced criticism from fans who felt that, following the season 24 launch last month, the new presenting trio was overcrowded. Some viewers claimed that Emma, who has more experience in live television, was essentially "carrying" Johannes and Josh as they found their feet.
Josh on the team dynamic
According to Josh, however, his working relationship with Emma and Johannes has always felt like a team effort. When asked about his favourite thing about working with the pair, he replied: "That we feel like a team where there's no ego."
"That there's no one wanting to put themselves out front more than the others. That we feel like we've all got our different personalities and they gel together. Emma and Johannes are just so generous, sweet and funny - they make working on Strictly feel even more exciting and joyous to me," he added.
Attention to detail on Strictly
Reflecting on the most surprising thing he has learned about Strictly, Josh noted: "I've never seen attention to detail like this on any TV show or any place I've ever worked. People's commitment to it, and people's love of it is just so infectious from every part of the team who make it. It's like nothing I've ever worked on. I've learned that's the best way you could possibly feel when you go to work, that everyone just loves what they're doing. That's so rare in any industry."
Support from the dance floor
While Emma, Johannes and Josh have faced some scrutiny in the wake of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's departure, the trio have also received a lot of support. Earlier in the week, professional dancer Lauren Oakley assured fans that Strictly was in "safe hands".
"We couldn't be in safer hands than with these beautiful people," Lauren, who is partnered with Graeme Hall, posted on her Instagram story. "Strictly is about family, uplifting others, and creating a safe space for celebrity contestants to be vulnerable and do something so outside of their comfort zone."
"This trio have been so warm and welcoming, and they felt like family from the minute they stepped into the studio, and we love having them with us," she continued. "Professional, funny, kind and fantastic at what they do. I couldn't feel more lucky to be sharing the screen and our Saturday nights with them."
