Strictly Come Dancing viewers are now rallying behind Josh Widdicombe after his first appearances as co-host drew criticism online. The 43-year-old comedian joined Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe in a presenting shake-up at the BBC programme, replacing long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down last year.
Early complaints about two main presenters
A persistent complaint from audiences during the initial episodes centred on having two main presenters on the primary dance floor at once feeling superfluous. Numerous viewers also contended that Widdicombe's comedic credentials would prove far more effective in the upstairs section with the dancers, where impromptu interactions occur naturally, instead of co-hosting the more formal introductions and judges' commentary.
Social media detractors branded Josh's initial outings as "wooden", "awkward", or "out of his depth" for a rapid-fire live ballroom programme, with certain audiences believing his approach didn't instantly gel with the conventional Strictly ambience.
Support grows after latest episode
Nevertheless, opinion seems to be changing, with an increasing proportion of audiences embracing Josh after last weekend's show. Reflecting on his performance on X following the October 10 episode, 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."
The support will come as a welcome boost for Josh, following widespread calls from BBC viewers to have him removed or replaced. Many argued that Emma, 50, is more than capable of hosting the main floor on her own, with some dismissing Widdicombe's presence alongside her as unnecessary.
No plans to replace Widdicombe
Neither the BBC nor the show's producers have signalled any plans to replace Widdicombe. Production staff and fellow cast members, including the professional dancers, have publicly rallied behind the presenting trio, emphasising that new line-ups need a brief period to find their feet and pointing to the chemistry already building behind the scenes.
Widdicombe himself also acknowledged the early reaction, noting that viewers understandably have strong feelings whenever a long-running flagship show undergoes significant changes. Strictly Come Dancing airs next on Saturday 17 October 2026 at 6:15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
