Strictly Come Dancing fans have spotted a huge problem with Tess Daly's replacement Josh Widdicombe. The new presenter made his live debut in the first proper week of the 2026 series on Saturday alongside Emma Willis and pro dancer turned third host Johannes Radebe.
Fans critical of new presenting line-up
While Johannes also came in for some criticism - mostly due to technical problems with his microphone - Josh was the subject of significant viewer feedback, with many fans of the hit dance contest suggesting that he looked a 'spare part' or 'lost' and that the partnership with the other presenters wasn't working.
The new hosts split presenting responsibilities with Willis and Widdicombe by the judges' table while Radebe welcomed the dancers on the balcony ahead of the score reveal. But fans were not all keen on Josh's performance in front of the camera in particular.
Viewer reactions on social media
@putthetellyon said: "I see my 'spare part' comment has generated tabloid headlines. Here's the thing, Josh is great, love his podcast and The Last Leg but he just stands there next to Emma looking lost. There's no room for 'oh he'll get better', this is the biggest Saturday night show!"
@sarahgi78263526 said: "#strictly Is hard to watch with Josh. So awkward. It looks creepy with him hanging around gorgeous Emma. I love Johannes, but he is not a happy bunny in this role. Set him free to dance."
@blondemzungu said: "Can we all agree that it should have been just Rylan and Emma. Johannes needs to be back doing what he does best…….dancing! #strictly"
Some fans defend Widdicombe
But some fans leapt to Josh's defence. @caddymation said: "Don't understand the hate Josh Widdecombe has been getting on here, thought he was good in a live presenting role on #strictly from what I saw last night. Emma was as brilliant as I expected she would be though Johannes felt a bit like a fish out of water at times in his bits"
A Strictly spokesperson said: "Strictly was the most watched programme of the night, with a peak of five million viewers. As ever, overnight ratings do not give the full picture of all those who watch in an on-demand world."
Ratings and leader board
The first live show of the new Strictly series attracted a peak of five million viewers, the BBC has said. Over the course of the two-and-a-half-hour programme, an average of 4.8 million viewers tuned in to watch on BBC One as the latest batch of stars performed on the dancefloor with their professional partners live for the first time.
It follows on from last week's launch episode which had a peak of 5.8 million viewers and an average of 5.3 million. Saturday's episode of Strictly is currently number one on the iPlayer's most popular chart.
It saw social media star John Nellis top the Strictly leader board with his partner Katya Jones as they wowed the judges with a foxtrot to Alex Warren's Ordinary. The judges gave the routine 31 points, with Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas praising the routine as being "the best dance of the night" and Craig Revel Horwood saying it was "classy, elegant and graceful".
Following behind was Australian singer Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington, who scored 29 points for their Samba to Baiana by Barbatuques. The episode ended in a three-way tie for last place with a score of 15 points. The first show, as usual, did not include a public vote or elimination. Strictly Come Dancing will return on BBC One on Saturday for movie week.
