Strictly Come Dancing fans are unhappy with Emma Willis' role in this week's episode after pleading for Josh Widdicombe to be moved upstairs. The BBC reality series is back for another round of dancing celebrities fighting for the Glitterball Trophy, but there has also been a huge shake-up.
Hosting shake-up sparks fan backlash
Fans are getting used to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's hosting replacements in the shape of downstairs duo Emma, 50, and Josh, 43, and upstairs presenter, former pro Johannes Radebe, 37. However, after their first live show, everyone was saying the same thing: Josh should head upstairs to chat with celebrities post-dance, and JoJo should join Emma downstairs. Some have even claimed that three is a crowd and there isn't enough for all of them to do.
Now, Strictly is back for movies week with a whole range of beloved films being brought to life on stage in dance form. As we saw last week, Josh and Emma are helming the dance floor ship together, speaking with the judges and the dancers as they come down from the adrenaline high.
Josh takes the lead, Emma left out
But many have pointed out that rather than listening to fan pleas for Josh to be moved upstairs, he seems to have taken on an even bigger role, leaving the Love Is Blind host behind. The Last Leg comedian seems to have taken the lead on building rapport and joking with the judges, while Emma has been coming to the fore during the transition between dances.
For many, watching Emma have nothing to say as she quietly stands beside Josh (aside from the occasional interjection) has left a bad taste in their mouth. 'So this week, Josh Widdicombe is doing all the talking and Emma is left standing there like a tool,' CallieScarlett wrote on X.
'Josh really needs to not be downstairs with Emma. I feel like she's stood there most the time whilst Josh tries to get a joke in after every section,' SarahFreer agreed. 'When we said Josh felt like a spare part downstairs, we didn't mean we wanted him to do more and Emma less,' smallstepforsam added.
'I still don't get why they have both Emma and Josh talking to judges when only one of them is doing the talking to the judges. Emma legit looks like a spare part stood there while Josh banters and does the talking,' Jade shared. 'I actually don't think Josh is bad but I kinda don't love the way he leads the conversation and Emma is like the sidekick,' jkschesttattoo reflected.
Stars respond to criticism
In fact, the requests to see Josh's role shaken up have grown even more this week. After the mounting backlash towards the new hosts following last week's episode, Emma shared a behind-the-scenes photo dump, with the cryptic caption: 'You will get judged either way, so may as well pick the fun option'.
Meanwhile, Josh reshared Strictly pro Lauren Oakley's statement in which she declared: 'We couldn't be in safer hands than with these beautiful people. Strictly is about family, uplifting others, and creating a safe space for celebrity contestants to be vulnerable and do something so outside of their comfort zone.'
Strictly Come Dancing airs at weekends on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
