Strictly Come Dancing returned to BBC screens for its 24th series on 19 September 2026 with a new presenting trio, but the choice of hosts has sparked criticism and coincided with a drop in viewership. Long-serving presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman both stepped down, prompting the biggest presenting overhaul in the programme's history.
For the first time, the show is fronted by three presenters: Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and former Strictly professional Johannes Radebe. Emma, 50, has received widespread praise for her hosting work, drawing on a broadcasting career spanning more than two decades, including The Voice UK, Love Is Blind UK and Big Brother.
Criticism of new presenting team
Josh, 43, who co-presents from the main floor with Emma, has faced a barrage of criticism. Some viewers have called him a "problem the show needs to solve," saying his comedic tendencies and awkward manner interfere with polished presenting. On social media, fans have branded him a "spare part," noting he appeared visibly nervous during the opening live show, kept his hand in his pocket and fluffed cues.
Johannes, who fronts the upstairs interview section, has also been criticised for microphone mishaps and timing errors during the live broadcast.
Audition process questioned
Reports suggest Sian Welby, Clara Amfo, Zoe Ball and Rylan Clark all auditioned for the roles. The article argues that Rylan would have been ideal, citing his rapport with Emma from Big Brother and This Morning, but suggests his comments on immigration may have counted against him.
In August 2025, Rylan described small-boat arrivals as "absolutely insane" on This Morning, prompting 702 complaints to Ofcom. Fact-checkers noted the Home Office does not provide free phones or iPads to asylum seekers. Rylan later posted on Instagram and X: "You can be pro immigration and against illegal routes... Stop with this putting everyone in a box exercise and maybe have conversations instead of shouting on Twitter." He took a five-month break from This Morning, returning on 6 February 2026 alongside Emma Willis.
Ratings decline
The 2026 series opener attracted an average of 4.8 million viewers, peaking at 5 million, a steep decline from previous years. The article suggests bosses may consider moving Josh to the interview section, but remains doubtful after his debut performance.
