Strictly Come Dancing viewers have called on BBC bosses to give Will Best paternity leave after the host and his fiancée, Tobi Rose, welcomed their first child over the weekend.
The 41-year-old presenter announced the arrival of their baby boy, Sonny, on Instagram, sharing a video in which he said: "So I got this really cool new thing today, lots of people get them but they are pretty cool," before panning the camera down to show the newborn in his arms.
In the caption, Will wrote: "Well who do we have here then?! Welcome to the world Sonny Best, you little smasher. You're a miracle and I love you so much. A couple of tired new parents (see last slide) but oh my goodness aren't we lucky xxx."
Fans call for time off
Will admitted he had barely slept since becoming a dad, prompting viewers to question whether he should be given time off to adjust to life with a newborn. Taking to social media, fans urged the show to give him a break, with one writing: "Surely Will should have paternity leave?" Another said: "Give Will some time off, he's just had a baby!" A third added: "Can we get Will some paternity leave please?"
The new dad has since returned to preparations for the latest Strictly show alongside professional dancer Dianne, who has been keeping viewers updated on their rehearsals. Dianne revealed that Will had been running on very little sleep, with the pair facing a Jive during a particularly busy week in the competition.
Sonny arrives during Icons Week
During a behind-the-scenes clip from rehearsals on Strictly: It Takes Two, Will revealed that Sonny had arrived on Sunday, quipping: "He's arrived on Icons Week. What does that make him? An icon!"
Away from Strictly, Will is known for presenting Big Brother alongside AJ Odudu, having co-hosted the reality show since its return to ITV in 2023.
It is just under a month since Will revealed that he and Tobi were expecting their first child. In mid-September, Will shared photos from the summer, including one of him and Tobi standing in front of a mirror, with Tobi wearing a matching outfit that showed off her baby bump. In the caption, he said: "Baby, Will?!" He also added a picture of tiny baby shoes that looked like teddy bears.
Engaged since 2024
Will has been engaged to Tobi since 2024 after over a decade together, having got engaged during a trip to Tuscany. They are thought to have met around 2011.
A source told The Sun at the time of the pregnancy announcement: "Will and Tobi are overjoyed and he can't wait to become a dad. He already had a busy winter juggling Strictly and Big Brother, but now it's got a whole lot more complicated." The source added: "Tobi is due this side of Christmas, so there is every chance he has to race away from rehearsals to be with her."
