Strictly Come Dancing viewers are changing their minds about co-host Josh Widdicombe, with many praising his performance after last weekend's broadcast, following earlier calls for him to be replaced.
Josh, 43, now fronts the BBC programme alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe, after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman departed their hosting duties last year. During the opening episodes, a recurring criticism was that having two lead presenters on the main dance floor simultaneously felt unnecessary.
Early criticism of Josh's hosting style
Many argued that Widdicombe's comedy background would be better suited to the upstairs area alongside the dancers, where spontaneous exchanges naturally unfold, rather than co-presenting the more structured introductions and judges' feedback. Social media critics described his early appearances as "wooden", "awkward", or "out of his depth" for a fast-paced live ballroom show, with some viewers feeling his style didn't immediately mesh with the traditional Strictly atmosphere.
Fans now praise Josh's natural style
However, sentiment appears to be shifting, with a growing number of viewers warming to Josh following last weekend's broadcast. Commenting on his performance on X after last Saturday's October 10 show, one viewer wrote: "I might be the only one but I actually like josh a host." Another agreed: "I really like him too!"
A third concurred: "I think he's brilliant," while someone else added: "I'm enjoying these presenters, it's a fun vibe." A fourth remarked: "I really enjoyed tonight. I think Josh is so natural and I found him genuinely funny tonight."
Production team supports the trio
The backing will prove welcome for Josh following calls from numerous BBC audiences for him to be axed or substituted. Many maintained that Emma, 50, possesses sufficient capability to present the main floor independently, regarding Widdicombe's position beside her as 'unnecessary clutter'.
Neither the BBC nor producers have indicated any intentions to substitute Widdicombe. Production personnel and fellow cast members, including professional dancers, have openly supported the trio, stressing that new presenting teams require a short settling-in phase and highlighting the rapport developing backstage.
Widdicombe himself also recognised the initial reaction, observing that audiences understandably hold firm views whenever a long-established flagship programme experiences substantial alterations. Strictly Come Dancing airs next on Saturday 17 October 2026 at 6:15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
