Busted star Matt Willis has defended his wife Emma Willis against criticism of her new role as a presenter on Strictly Come Dancing, insisting she is “smashing it” and “loves it”.
Emma was announced earlier this year as one of the BBC competition’s new presenters alongside comedian Josh Widdicombe and former professional dancer Johannes Radebe. Their signings followed the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman last year, after months of speculation over who would take over.
Since the launch show earlier this year, the new trio have faced scrutiny from fans. Appearing on Thursday’s This Morning with hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley, Matt spoke about how much he loved working with his wife, including as co-hosts of Love is Blind, saying: “I love working with her, she’s very good at what she does.”
'She's so happy'
Talking about her latest role, he said: “I have never watched so much Strictly in my life, I am so in. I’ve been to the live show, I’m watching every episode. She’s smashing it, she’s so happy, she loves it.”
Addressing the reaction Emma, Johannes and Josh have received, Matt continued: “I don’t think she pays attention to anything, she’s very good at doing her job. She puts her head down, does the job as best she can.
“She loves working with Josh and Jojo, and they’re great and brilliant and lovely people. They’re all in this thing together, it’s a new job, it’s exciting and she’s loving it.”
Conflict of interest
Matt then revealed he had turned down the opportunity to appear on Strictly, having been asked in the past. He said: “Now I have a very valid excuse, I think it’ll be a conflict of interest, surely. I don’t think I’ll be doing it any time soon.
“But watching it does make you go, that’s impressive. When you’re there live and see what they’re doing, you’re like, wow, that’s really difficult.”
Matt previously expressed his support for his wife, describing her as “perfect” for the role. “She’s really happy, really excited. It felt different, this job, because she really wanted it, and I think she was scared to say that out loud,” he told The Telegraph.
He continued: “Strictly was a curveball. Taking the biggest job on TV was not on our bingo card for 2026, but I’m so proud of her. And if anyone can do it, it’s her. I’m stoked for her, she’s perfect for it, and loves the show so much.”
Emma on her new role
After being announced as one of the new hosts, Emma shared: “It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Strictly – I’ve cheered and danced along from my sofa for years - so to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend.
“It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind - two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long. I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter.
“I can’t wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and the judges. Fingers crossed for a 10 from them!”
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.
