Strictly Come Dancing viewers have reached the same conclusion about Emma Willis after the BBC show's new presenting trio faced heavy backlash: that she is 'even better' than previous host Tess Daly at the role.
Emma, 50, is one of three new hosts on the programme alongside comedian Josh Widdicombe, 43, and dancer Johannes "JoJo" Radebe, 39. The trio took over presenting duties for the current series after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down as hosts last year.
Criticism of the three-presenter format
A key grievance from audiences is that the three-presenter format appears excessive and congested. Some viewers have suggested Josh seems misplaced or "like a spare part" beside Emma, and that his tendency towards comedy frequently results in him interrupting fellow presenters or participants.
Meanwhile, while many viewers are fond of Johannes, a lot of them are disappointed that the professional dancer was relocated to an interview position upstairs instead of staying on the dance floor. Some have proposed Josh would be far more suited to assuming the "Clauditorium" position upstairs, where the comedian's spontaneous abilities could flourish.
Technical sound problems during the initial programmes - where Johannes' gentle voice was regularly overwhelmed by the crowd - also attracted criticism, though the audio balance rather than Johannes himself received most of the blame.
Fans praise Emma over Tess
Despite the criticism, numerous viewers believe Emma is capable of presenting the main ballroom floor single-handedly. Following the latest episode, many audiences reached the same conclusion - that Emma is 'even better' than Tess at the role.
One viewer posted on X after last Saturday's programme: "Controversial but Emma is so much better than Tess!" Their opinion appeared less contentious than anticipated, as the message accumulated hundreds of likes.
One person responded: "Totally agree. I couldn't bear Tess with her awkwardness."
Another contributed: "Not controversial in the slightest, just absolutely true. She's one of the best about."
A third commented: "A million times better. Emma's a natural." While a fourth stated: "Not controversial, just facts."
Ellie Taylor praised on It Takes Two
These remarks follow widespread agreement amongst fans of Strictly's daytime companion programme, Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, that new presenter Ellie Taylor represents an excellent choice for the hosting position.
Ellie, 42, took over from the dual-presenting duo of Fleur East and former Strictly professional Janette Manrara. Audiences and critics appear to be embracing the comedian in the role, with many highlighting her as an outstanding addition to the Strictly revamp. Numerous fans have lauded her "vibrant energy", contagious enthusiasm and natural comedic timing.
Several viewers went as far as suggesting she is outperforming the main show's presenting line-up, with some arguing she deserved the lead presenter role alongside Emma.
Despite Ellie winning over a considerable number of admirers personally, It Takes Two as a whole has faced significant online criticism owing to sweeping structural changes made by the production team. Viewers expressed frustration that the revamped format separated celebrity contestants from their professional dance partners during mid-week interviews, showcasing them individually rather than as a duo. A handful of critics have also voiced the opinion that the relaunched spin-off feels excessively frenetic, over-scripted and "pantomime-like".
The next episode of Strictly Come Dancing will air on Saturday 10 October 2026 at 6:15 pm on BBC One.
