Strictly Come Dancing fans have voiced concerns about the new hosting format, saying it "doesn't work." Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe took over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, with bosses hoping they would form a successful trio. While viewers are impressed with Emma, they remain unsure about her co-hosts.
Fans Call for Hosting Shake-Up
One fan commented at the weekend: "The Strictly producers will be in a bit of a pickle now. The overwhelming view seems to be that Emma is perfect and should host downstairs alone, and Josh should be moved upstairs as he's way more of a comedic, lighthearted chat sort of host. But where does that leave Johannes."
Another viewer wrote: "This is a disaster @bbcstrictly. Josh and Johannes are not working at all. Not one bit. Johannes talking whilst they're coming up the stairs?! You're going to lose long time viewers rapidly."
Potential Role Swaps Suggested
Some fans have suggested that producers might rotate the hosts' roles each week. One viewer said: "I'm curious to see if they might 'Rotate or alternate' the roles in a similar style to the launch show. It's only Week 1 so there's time to make changes and it feels very 'trial and error' right now."
Another proposed: "My plan for the hosts; Emma - main host downstairs. Josh - Upstairs chaos, chats to help the celebs relax after their dances. Johannes - I would have him doing dance commentary and breaking down the performances, probably every 3 or 4 dances for a couple of mins."
Some viewers also suggested that It Takes Two host Ellie Taylor should have a role on the main show. One commented: "Think it was kind of a mistake for #Strictly to bring Ellie Taylor on at the end of last night's show as she just completely shows up Josh and Johannes. Really now wishing it was her and Emma doing the main show. Put Johannes on It Takes Two and maybe just get rid of Josh?"
Hosts' Pre-Show Nerves
None of the hosts have publicly responded to the criticism, but Josh admitted he was nervous ahead of his first live show. "What could possibly go wrong?" he laughed. "Loads of things, but let's not focus on them. I think it's going to be really, really fun. It's going to feel utterly surreal, just as terrifying as the first one. Will it ever stop being terrifying? I hope not, because hosting something like this should be the best kind of terrifying."
Emma also shared her feelings before the show: "I'm feeling nervous for sure. But I was told recently that nerves and excitement are the same feeling - it just depends on how you mentally approach the emotion, to determine whether it's fear or joy. So I'm like right ok, we can have all of that feeling. A little bit of nerves because it keeps you on your toes, and it means you care. And then bucket loads of excitement. I've also missed presenting live telly so I can't wait - who knows what's going to happen?!"
