Strictly Come Dancing host Josh Widdicombe left the UK this week as the BBC show gets underway for 2026, joining his Celebrity Traitors star friend Rob Beckett on a break amid a backlash from viewers.
Rob shared a photo to his Instagram with the caption: "Three Sneaky Sasquatches slipping out to Sweden for some Spotify fun in Stockholm." The photographs showed a laid-back Josh reading a book during the flight before visiting The Royal Dramatic Theatre with Rob and their producer, Michael.
New presenting team faces scrutiny
Josh, whose podcast has achieved considerable popularity, is anticipated to be back for Strictly's movies week on Saturday, October 3. Reuniting with fellow hosts Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe, the presenting team is preparing for the series' first celebrity departure.
Recruited to succeed Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who departed last year, Emma, Josh and Johannes have each encountered considerable scrutiny since joining the programme.
Viewers criticise three-host format
While Emma has received widespread praise for her Strictly performance, the BBC has faced criticism for appointing three hosts to the show, given its historical success with two. Some viewers have also indicated that Johannes and Josh appear "awkward" and "out of place" in their presenting roles, reports the Express.
Josh, particularly, seems to be receiving the heaviest criticism, although the comedian has declined to address it publicly. In the meantime, several celebrities have rallied behind Josh.
Support from colleagues
BBC radio presenter Ed James took to social media on Sunday to urge fans to be "a little kinder". He said: "Seeing lots of stuff about Josh today on social media and in news outlets. Wanted to share some thoughts, and I realise I'm adding to the problem here as I'm doing exactly what I'm about to suggest we don't do... but why is he getting a hard time? It's a TV show?!"
"If you didn't like him, switch off! Why feel the need to go online and give him a harsh time? He's a great presenter, doing a massive job and was bound to have been bloody nervous."
"He'll be just fine, so will SCD, as it's a brilliant show. Not sure how going online and having a go at him helps anyone... least of all Josh, who's just trying to do the best job he can on one of the biggest platforms in the UK."
"Can we be a little kinder? And if you are tempted to open up social media and join the pile-on, go to the gym, have a glass of wine, spend some time outside and hopefully realise this really isn't something to get all worked up about!"
Similarly, Strictly professional dancer Lauren Oakley took to Instagram to heap praise on Emma, Johannes and Josh. "We couldn't be in safer hands than with these beautiful people. Strictly is about family, uplifting others, and creating a safe space for celebrity contestants to be vulnerable and do something so outside of their comfort zone," she wrote.
"This trio has been so warm and welcoming, and they felt like family from the minute they stepped into the studio, and we love having them with us. Professional, funny, kind and fantastic at what they do. I couldn't feel more lucky to be sharing the screen and our Saturday nights with them."
Evidently grateful for Lauren's remarks, Josh subsequently reposted the message on his own Instagram profile. Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
