Josh Widdicombe has responded to a message of support from Strictly Come Dancing professional Lauren Oakley after making his live debut as co-host of the 2026 series. The comedian reshared her Instagram Story post, adding a string of heart emojis, following his first live stint at the helm of the BBC One programme.
Five million tune in for live opener
The first live show of the 2026 run drew five million viewers as the latest batch of celebrities performed with their professional partners for the first time. The episode opened with a routine by the Strictly professionals to an orchestral version of Joy by Raye, before hosts Josh, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe joined the dance and introduced the couples.
It marked the first live appearance for the presenting trio, who took over from former hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. They had previously been seen together during the pre-recorded launch show the weekend before. Emma and Josh stood by the judges' table, while Johannes joined the couples on the balcony ahead of the score reveal, a role previously held by Claudia.
Fans react to new presenting trio
Social media saw plenty of comments about the new hosts, with some suggesting that having three presenters "doesn't work," as only two had ever hosted the programme before. Despite the mixed reaction, Lauren Oakley, who performed her first dance alongside dog trainer Graeme Hall, praised the trio in an Instagram Story on Sunday (September 27).
Alongside a picture of Emma, Josh and Johannes, she wrote: "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 added: "This trio have 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 & fantastic at what they do. I couldn't feel more lucky to be sharing the screen and our Saturday nights with them!"
Josh has remained relatively quiet online about his first live show, but his reshare of Lauren's message marks his first public response since the debut.
