Body language expert Judi James has suggested that Josh Widdicombe, one of the new presenters on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, might actually be rescuing the show. Viewers have found themselves divided over Widdicombe since his first appearance, with some appreciating his sharp wit while others feel Emma could manage the role independently.
Josh as the 'lightning rod'
Speaking to PaddyPower, James said: "It's possible that, once the chatter about Josh dies down and fans realise he's not going to be budged or elbowed off the show, we will all realise how, in his role as lightning rod for all the headlines and social media chatter, he's actually been the one to watch, providing the 'water cooler' moments this season's series might otherwise lack."
She added: "Last season, it was all about the outgoing presenters with their 'shock' announcement, and now our eyes are all pinned on the new team. Once they settle, though, it's possible that the show suffers a 'Drama-drought'."
Comedy investment and panto fun
The body language specialist continued: "The investment in comedy looks heavy this year with clunky jokes and probably more 'games' to come, like the costume switch they had last year to stir things up. But the panto fun is restricted to the judges and the presenters."
Appearing on It Takes Two earlier this week, Josh opened up about how much more challenging hosting the programme has proved than he anticipated, having navigated his first elimination show, which saw Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden depart the competition.
Elimination difficulties and new dancers
He told Ellie Taylor: "When I took the Strictly job, I didn't realise how difficult elimination was going to be. The emotions of it, it's so intense, and you feel terrible."
He continued: "Do you know what, being upstairs with Jojo, talking to the couples that got through, what a sweet gig that is. Poor old Emma downstairs! It's really sad."
Despite the heartache of watching couples leave the competition, the 43-year-old revealed he was 'enjoying' his time on the show and was 'having a lovely time'. He said: "I think just how many people in Waitrose keep coming up to me to talk to me about it. It's wild. You can't go to the supermarket without people coming up to you to offer their opinions on Strictly."
Josh, Emma and Johannes are not the only fresh faces on the programme, as Strictly audiences have also welcomed five new professional dancers to the roster, with Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita all joining the show. Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday on BBC One from 6:15pm.
