Strictly Come Dancing fans have all issued the same complaint about new host Josh Widdicombe following his debut on the first live episode of the series.
The BBC One show returned on Saturday night (September 26) with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe at the helm. Celebrities including Lacey Turner, Jamie Winstone, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Delta Goodrem and Dame Sarah Storey made their dancing debuts with their professional partners.
The judging panel also returned in full, with Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas back to offer their critiques.
Fans share their verdict on the new host
Viewers had plenty to say about Josh Widdicombe, who joined Emma on the dance floor to chat to the celebrities after their performances, while Johannes remained upstairs.
One person wrote on X: “I love Josh on Last Leg but he looks so out of place here!” Another added: “Josh doesn’t need to be there. Emma can do Tess’s job on her own.” A third said: “Emma really has to be on her own on the floor.”
Another viewer mused: “Josh should be upstairs with JoJo to have some banter with the contestants. We don't need him with Emma.” A fifth said: “Josh does not need to be standing next to Emma in every introduction and performance discussion with judges. Emma is a brilliant presenter and doesn't need Josh to make the show work. Give him another role.”
Some viewers defend Josh
However, not everyone agreed. One person defended the comedian, writing: “Not loving the hate for Josh. I wish people would just give him a chance; we’re literally 15 minutes into the first live show!”
Another said: “Can I just say… Emma, Josh & JoJo are SMASHING it!!!! The people who doubted them really cannot complain anymore.”
Josh opens up about landing the role
Recently, Josh opened up about getting the Strictly host job, revealing that when he and Johannes were brought together at a secret location in London, both were left “surprised”.
He explained: “You could see us go ‘WHAT?’ This is a weird duo. Surely they’re not going with Jojo and Jojo?” He added: “I thought that perhaps they were putting two wild-card, oddball choices in the same room to see who to choose.”
The Mock the Week star said: “I thought the whole experience was a fun thing that would fizzle out. It’s dangerous to dream, right?”
Strictly Come Dancing airs every weekend on BBC One.
