Strictly Come Dancing co-host Josh Widdicombe has revealed how difficult he finds the show's eliminations, admitting the experience leaves him feeling terrible.
The comedian appeared on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two on Thursday, October 8, where he spoke to Ellie Taylor about his new role. Josh joined the BBC programme alongside Emma Willis and former professional dancer Johannes Radebe after long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman departed at the end of 2025.
Criticism over three hosts
He has faced criticism since the opening episodes, with viewers questioning whether three hosts are needed. Several fans also suggested on social media that Josh should conduct celebrity interviews in the Clauditorium after performances instead of interviewing the judges alongside Emma.
Speaking on It Takes Two, Josh shared his experience of co-presenting the series' first results show last weekend, which saw the first elimination - celebrity hairdresser Chris Appleton and Welsh professional Amy Dowden - after they landed in the dance-off during Movie Week.
Emotional results show
Josh admitted: "I know this sounds weird but when I took the Strictly job I didn't realise how difficult eliminations was going to be, emotions would be... it's so intense, you feel terrible."
During the results programme, viewers saw a presenter reshuffle, with Josh joining Johannes in the Clauditorium to chat with the dancers who had secured their place in the next week, while Emma remained downstairs to reveal the couples facing elimination.
Josh remarked: "You know what, being upstairs with JoJo talking to the couples that got through... what a sweet gig that is. Poor old Emma downstairs. We're upstairs with the people who are through, but it's really sad."
First elimination reaction
After the results show, the trio featured on the new series Strictly: Lights Up, presented by Abi Clarke and Tyler West, and discussed their experiences after hosting their first elimination.
Abi asked Josh: "Josh, first results show for you. How does it feel to send someone home?" Josh replied: "I hated that. It's awful. Can I say that?" Johannes interjected: "You can absolutely say that, because that's the part of the show that I do not miss."
Caerphilly-born Amy and Chris appeared on It Takes Two on Monday after their departure. Following a montage of Chris' highlights during his Strictly journey, he became visibly emotional and broke down in tears.
He said: "Why did you have to show that? Oh my god, it's just been a phenomenal experience." He added: "There were times where I was like, 'I'm not sure I can do this', but I did it. All I did was look back at Amy, I'd see her smile, and I knew she was with me, and you know what? That says something about the show, to have people that care so much about you."
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
