Strictly Come Dancing host Josh Widdicombe has admitted he "felt terrible" after presenting his first results show, revealing that the emotional weight of eliminations took him by surprise.
The comedian opened up about his new role during an appearance on the BBC spin-off show Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two on Thursday, October 8, speaking to presenter Ellie Taylor about his experiences so far.
'I Didn't Realise How Difficult Eliminations Would Be'
The 43-year-old was signed up alongside Emma Willis and former professional dancer Johannes Radebe following the departures of long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who quit at the end of 2025. However, he has come under fire following the early episodes, with fans not convinced that three presenters are needed for the job.
Many viewers took to social media to say that Josh should be interviewing the celebrities in the 'Clauditorium' following their dances, rather than chatting to the judges along with Emma.
During his time on It Takes Two, Josh spoke to Ellie about co-hosting the first results show of the series last weekend, which saw the first couple - celebrity hairdresser Chris Appleton and Welsh pro Amy Dowden - leave the series after finding themselves in the dreaded dance-off during Movie Week.
Josh admitted: "I know this sounds weird but when I took the Strictly job I didn't realise how difficult eliminations was going to be, emotions would be... it's so intense, you feel terrible."
Presenter Shift in the Clauditorium
During the results show, viewers were pleased to see there had been a presenter shift, with Josh joining Johannes in the Clauditorium to interview the dancers who had got through to the following week, leaving Emma downstairs to announce the couples who were at risk.
Josh added: "You know what, being upstairs with JoJo talking to the couples that got through... what a sweet gig that is. Poor old Emma downstairs. We're upstairs with the people who are through, but it's really sad."
Following last weekend's results show, the trio appeared on the new series Strictly: Lights Up, hosted by Abi Clarke and Tyler West. They shared their thoughts after fronting their first elimination programme. Abi turned to Josh and asked: "Josh, first results show for you. How does it feel to send someone home?"
Josh responded: "I hated that. It's awful. Can I say that?" Johannes then chimed in: "You can absolutely say that, because that's the part of the show that I do not miss."
Chris Appleton's Emotional Response
Caerphilly-born Amy and Chris appeared on It Takes Two on Monday following their elimination. After they aired a montage of Chris' finest moments throughout his Strictly stint, he was swiftly overwhelmed and burst into tears.
He responded: "Why did you have to show that? Oh my god, it's just been a phenomenal experience." He continued: "There were times where I was like, 'I'm not sure I can do this', but I did it. All I did was look back at Amy, I'd see her smile, and I knew she was with me, and you know what? That says something about the show, to have people that care so much about you."
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
