Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left with one question after the trio of new hosts made their debut this weekend. Emma Willis, Josh Widdecombe and Johannes Radebe have taken over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on the BBC dance competition, while a number of professional dancers have been axed.
Audition process questioned
The new line-up followed months of chemistry testing and auditions at the BBC, but some viewers remained confused about how the final three were chosen. Across social media after the episode, the same question kept appearing.
One TV account tweeted: “How bad were Rylan Clark, Zoe Ball, Tom Allen, Angela Scanlon, Alex Jones, Bradley Walsh and Sara Cox in the auditions?”
Viewers divided over new presenters
Someone else said: “How can the BBC producers who cast the presenters get it SO wrong?” A third posted: “After all the extensive audition processes for Strictly, you have to wonder about the abilities of producers who chose the new presenters. Why they thought three, including a comedian, were the ‘perfect mix’ and how on earth these producers get paid so much money? They’ve ruined the show!”
Another social media user said: “I’d love to see the failed auditions of the other Strictly host wannabes…” Someone else fumed: “You can't tell me that Josh did a better interview than Zoe Ball for the #Strictly job. They truly couldn't have picked anyone worse...and don't even get me started on his fake, over the top laugh. That's going to drive me mad over the coming weeks. Josh out... Zoe in.”
Some fans defend the new line-up
Others were happier with the new presenting choices, with one sticking up for Josh: “I personally think Emma and Josh work well. They fit into Tess and Claudia’s shoes well!” Another agreed: “Ignore the haters – people love negativity as a pastime. I thought Emma, Josh and JoJo all did fab for a first show together.”
