Strictly Come Dancing viewers criticised Josh Widdicombe within moments of the programme beginning on Saturday, October 17, after he slipped up over his autocue.
The celebrities and their professional partners are participating in Icons Week to honour music's most legendary artists and their greatest hits. Opening the show, Emma Willis said: "Welcome to Strictly Come Dancing, and the next milestone in the calendar because it's Icons Week."
Johannes Radebe added: "Tonight we have 12 incredible headliners for you, as our couples take on some of the greatest music legends of all time."
Autocue stumble sparks viewer reaction
In his opening line, Josh attempted to prepare audiences for some "spectacular" transformations, but faltered over the word. He swiftly recovered, telling viewers: "Prepare yourselves for some spectacular transformations, a killer playlist and a seemingly never-ending collection of wigs," reports the Express.
Viewers were swift to notice the mistake, with one posting on X: "Josh fecked up his first line already." Another posted: "How many times is Josh gonna fluff his autocue tonight."
A third commented: "Josh fudges up his lines after 50 seconds of the show My Strictly bingo card is on absolute fire already!" A fourth agreed: "And Josh f***s up with his first read of the autocue."
Mixed opinions on hosting role
Someone else observed: "Just started watching #Strictly & Josh Widdicombe has already messed up reading off an autocue.."
The comedian, 43, has encountered significant criticism since his debut on the programme last month. Several viewers have proposed that Josh might be better placed in the upstairs position, conducting interviews with contestants following their routines.
Instead, he has continued downstairs with Emma. Within minutes of this evening's episode beginning, one viewer remarked: "I thought they said they were going to play with having the presenters trying all the roles, but they persist with Emma and Josh downstairs, and it's still not working."
Another observed: "Three presenters is totally awkward & pointless. Josh Widdicome continues to act like an attention seeking spare part."
Judges embrace Icons Week theme
A third maintained that Josh "still looks lost", while another insisted: "Get Josh upstairs FGS @bbcstrictly." Nevertheless, opinion isn't unanimous, with many admitting they're growing more receptive to Josh as a host.
"Josh seems to be getting better each week. I like him & Emma together," one viewer commented. Prior to the broadcast, another stated: "I think he's brilliant," while someone else remarked: "I'm enjoying these presenters, it's a fun vibe."
Meanwhile, the judges - Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke - surprised fans this weekend by dressing up in line with the theme. While Shirley channelled Lady Gaga and Motsi embodied Beyonce, it was Craig and Anton who stole the limelight as they sported bucket hats, dark glasses and parkas in a nod to Oasis stars Liam and Noel Gallagher. Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
