Strictly Come Dancing fans have voiced their disappointment after Josh Widdicombe and Emma Willis retained their presenting roles for the first elimination week of the 2026 series. The show returned on Saturday, September 26, with the same hosting lineup that had drawn criticism during the opening live show.
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced their exit during the 2025 series. In the ballroom, Josh and Emma were paired to speak to the stars and judges, while Johannes took on Claudia's role of getting the score reaction backstage.
Fans call for role swap
Viewers had previously urged producers to swap Josh and Johannes, believing Josh's comedic talents and timing would suit the flexibility of the backstage position rather than relying on an autocue. However, the show returned with the hosts in the same positions, sparking fresh backlash online.
One fan said: "Really surprised they haven’t switched and tried Josh in the upstairs role after the feedback from last week." Another raged: "Didn't enjoy the Pro number, and the pipsqueak is still there. No, this presenter lineup still isn't working. #Strictly Not for me anymore."
Reaction to the lineup
A third viewer commented: "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 agreed: "I really wish they had put JoJo and Josh together upstairs."
A fifth fumed: "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." But one viewer defended the lineup: "No Josh Widdicombe bashing tonight please. Just watch the contestants instead."
Movie Week opener
The show kicked off with a Top Gun skit before going into a glamorous Zootropolis 2 extravaganza to celebrate the return of Movie Week.
