Strictly Come Dancing host Josh Widdicombe appeared to panic live on air during the September 26 episode, with a body language expert and viewers noting his visible nerves and discomfort.
The comedian returned to the Strictly stage for the second time, alongside fellow hosts Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe, after his debut on September 19 received mixed reviews. Fans noticed he seemed very nervous during his first appearance, and body language expert Inbaal Honigman, speaking on behalf of Covers.com, said his nerves have not improved.
Body language expert's analysis
As the trio returned to the stage to see the celebrities and their pro partners perform their first dances of the series, Inbaal told Express.co.uk: "Josh's confidence doesn't seem to have increased since the first show. If anything, he might be questioning himself more."
She described the trio's entrance: "During the dancey intro, Emma shimmies happily, using broad moves which signify her delight, and her smile is genuine, as it squeezed her eyes almost shut. Johannes is, of course, entirely in his element on the dance floor, his energy electric."
She added: "But Josh is moving his body using small, careful gestures, as if doing his best not to mess anything up. He is anxious and afraid. Josh maintains his comedy smile throughout, lips parted, eyebrows raised, of course he's a funnyman and this is his signature facial expression, but when the dance is over, he tries to make eye contact with the others, comedy face intact, like he's making a joke about his boogying skills."
Viewers react on social media
Inbaal concluded: "When the three are about to start their presenting duties, Emma and Johannes throw their arms wide, in welcoming, enthusiastic gestures, while Josh again is seen using smaller, trepidatious moves. He stretches his fingers out towards Johannes as if reaching for a life raft."
Viewers took to social media to share their frustration, commenting on how "out of place" Josh looked. One said: "I'm sorry, I want to give him a chance, but Josh already looks so out of place. And I'm still questioning why they needed three presenters."
Another added: "I actually can't take my eyes off Josh Widdicombe because he looks so terrified, so uncomfortable, so out of place next to Emma and Johannes. Please can someone put him out of his misery."
A third chimed in: "I've never seen anyone look so out of place than, Josh Widdicombe does on strictly."
