Strictly Come Dancing fans aired their frustration over Josh Widdicombe's role as the series returned for its first elimination week on Saturday, October 3.
The 2026 season began on shaky ground with Josh, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe stepping in to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced their departure during the 2025 series.
Viewers call for host switch
Viewers expressed disappointment after tuning into the first live show when Josh and Emma were assigned to interact with the stars and judges in the ballroom, while Johannes assumed Claudia's previous role of gathering score reactions backstage.
Fans had previously pleaded for Josh and Johannes to swap roles, believing that Josh's comedic skills and timing would be better suited to the more flexible backstage environment, rather than relying on an autocue. However, they were left disheartened when the show resumed tonight with the hosts maintaining their original positions, sparking a wave of online backlash.
Online backlash grows
One viewer expressed surprise: "Really surprised they haven't switched and tried Josh in the upstairs role after the feedback from last week." Another vented their frustration: "No, this presenter lineup still isn't working. #Strictly Not for me anymore," reports the Express.
A third added: "I don't understand why they're not varying the presenting. Why is Johannes in the Clauditorium again? I'd have thought they would have swapped over and had Josh Widdicombe there this week after presenting on the floor last week." A fourth concurred: "I really wish they had put JoJo and Josh together upstairs."
One irate viewer exclaimed: "oh god. They're sticking with Johannes upstairs. I'd thought they'd have learnt from last week. Emma doesn't need propped up by Josh."
Movie Week return and Lethabo praise
However, another defended: "No Josh Widdicombe bashing tonight please. Just watch the contestants instead." The show began with a Top Gun spoof, swiftly followed by a glitzy Zootropolis 2 spectacle to mark the comeback of Movie Week.
The pros were led by newcomer Lethabo Monametsi, whose "mesmerising" stage presence had fans completely captivated. This prompted viewers to voice frustrations about Lethabo not being allocated a celebrity partner this series. "I've seen enough give Lethabo a partner next year," one person insisted on X.
Another chimed in: "Lethabo is INCREDIBLE!! I wish she'd been given a partner, what a star she is!!" A third declared: "Lethabo is mesmerising to watch and we only get to see her in group dances."
Someone else remarked: "Lethabo should've had a celeb partner she is a STARR." A fifth admirer reinforced the view, stating: "That new dancer Lethabo might be the best female pro they've ever had." Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
