Strictly Come Dancing viewers have voiced complaints about the new three-presenter format during the first live show of the 2026 series, with many saying the line-up "doesn't work."
The show kicked off on September 26 with all 15 celebrities and their professional partners performing for the first time. While there is no public vote or elimination this week, judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke awarded their first scores of the series.
Among the celebrities taking to the floor are Love Island winners Cach Mercer and Dani Dyer, EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey and Emmerdale's Lawrence Robb.
New hosts face backlash
Last weekend's launch episode saw new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe present their first show, replacing long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down last year. The trio returned tonight, presenting in different combinations across the dancefloor and the auditorium.
However, fans have taken to X to express their dissatisfaction with the new presenting team.
@ElvishJennie wrote: "Who’s going to tell the bbc that three presenters does not work ??," as @cbetteley68 agreed: "This three presenter line up isn't working for me. It's messy and chaotic. #Strictly."
Viewers call for change
@_mels13 said: "The three hosts thing isn’t working. Should’ve been Emma and another well known, capable presenter. It all feels very rehearsed. Johannes is beginning to annoy me with the ‘darling’ all the time. #strictly."
@SouthernCazza1 shared: "Why does it take three presenters anyway? Are Strictly Come Dancing saying that it takes three people to fill Claudia and Tess's shoes? #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly."
@Claudiacc wrote: "This just doesn’t work. Overkill with three presenters. Josh totally wrong and Johannes lack of experience really shows. Emma is amazing but the two blokes are going to lose viewers unless the BBC act swiftly #strictly."
@bosdovja92 also said: "Christ this is very awkward. Johannes doesn’t work. Josh doesn’t work. It really should’ve been Emma and one other person. #Strictly."
@slinehan1 added: "I'm not going to be one of the people hating on Josh. For me the problem is that three hosts just aren't needed. He's just standing there awkwardly next to Emma without much to do. Josh should've been up where Johannes is and Johannes should be dancing imo. #Strictly."
