Josh Widdicombe appeared to miss his cue during a segment on the opening Strictly Come Dancing live show, leaving audiences sceptical about the new hosting lineup.
The feedback proved rocky for the new presenting squad of Josh, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe, who have replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman this year. Comedian Josh, 43, was presenting from the dance floor alongside Emma, 50, mirroring Tess's previous role, while Johannes conducted celebrity interviews from the auditorium in Claudia's former position.
Viewers spot fluffed cues
After much anticipation, the shake-up failed to impress audiences, who suggested that Josh felt like a "spare part" beside experienced broadcaster Emma, before spotting that he fluffed his cue on two occasions during the programme. Following a chat with Love Island's Cach Mercer after his performance, Johannes enquired of Emma and Josh: "Who's dancing now?"
The cameras then switched to them to present the next celebrities preparing for their routine, but Josh stood motionless for several moments until he cottoned on that it was his turn to speak. Beside him, Emma, 50, uncomfortably glanced to her left before Josh suddenly sprang into action. The identical blunder occurred once more later during the programme in another segment.
Following the incident, viewers posted on X: "Josh has missed his cue at least twice now #Strictly." Another added: "Why does Josh keep missing his cue? #Strictly." A third noted: "Josh missing his cue and just standing there like #Strictly."
Motsi Mabuse exchange
During the live show, Josh also found himself on the receiving end of a cheeky remark from judge Motsi Mabuse, 45, while Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, 48, and her professional partner Julian Caillon were receiving their critiques.
Following Craig Revel Horwood's typically sharp feedback, Motsi turned to him saying she actually concurred with his assessment for once, prompting Craig to quip: "Great - we can move on to Shirley [Ballas] then!" Motsi erupted into laughter before responding: "Well I have to do my job too!"
Josh then playfully called out: "Shirley!" as though to bypass Motsi's critique just as Craig had suggested. Motsi then cheekily shot back at Josh: "Well are we going to be friends or enemies, you choose now," while the audience and Josh laughed off the exchange.
Responding to the moment on X, one viewer commented: "Josh feared for his P45 in Week 1. Motsi ate him up."
Mixed reactions to new format
Following the announcement that Josh and Emma would co-present on the dance floor, Josh was labelled a "spare part" by some critics. However, he did receive acclaim for delivering a "change partners" gag, in a witty nod to the new musical chairs-style format employed to reveal the pairings in the launch programme. As Josh stood on the dance floor looking puzzled, Emma, Johannes and judge Craig joined him, with Josh crying out "change partners", sending viewers into fits of laughter.
Many shared their thoughts on the new trio on X, writing: "I'm not going to be one of the people hating on Josh. For me the problem is that three hosts just aren't needed. He's just standing there awkwardly next to Emma without much to do. Josh should've been up where Johannes is and Johannes should be dancing imo."
