The BBC has rejected claims that Strictly Come Dancing bosses have already decided to change the new presenting line-up after just a few weeks, describing the reports as "pure and utter speculation".
Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe were announced as the new hosts of the show this summer, following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman last year. The new series began in September, with presenting pro Emma widely seen as a steady presence.
Mixed Viewer Reactions
While some viewers have enjoyed the camaraderie between the three hosts, others have raised concerns about the chemistry between Emma and comedian Josh, and professional dancer Johannes has faced criticism over his presenting style. Social media commentators described Josh's debut as "wooden", "awkward", or "out of his depth" for a live ballroom programme, with some audiences feeling his approach did not immediately suit the traditional Strictly atmosphere.
Some have suggested the 43-year-old's comedic skills might work better in the upstairs section with the dancers, where spontaneous interactions happen naturally, rather than co-hosting the formal introductions and judges' commentary.
Anonymous Source Claims
An anonymous source said to be close to Strictly allegedly told the Daily Mail that the new format "doesn't work", claiming many traditional viewers have stopped watching and the show has become "a laughing stock". The source added that "changes are afoot" for the next series, saying it "should be slicker, in the view of many at the top of the BBC".
The source also suggested there were "so many brilliant presenters to choose from - Zoe Ball and Rylan Clark, for example - but they went for this lot", and claimed senior BBC bosses have started canvassing opinions from industry figures about what to do next year.
BBC Response and Future Speculation
Responding to the comments, the BBC told the Mirror that the anonymous source comments were "pure and utter speculation". It is thought that Emma, 50, will stay on Strictly, but Josh's future could be in doubt. "It isn't working," the source said to be close to the show said.
Meanwhile, dancer Johannes has also come under fire, with one new theory suggesting the South African star may become one of the Strictly judges next year, instead of interviewing the celebrities and their dance partners after their performances.
