Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Brendan Cole has criticised the show's new presenting trio, Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, for lacking the glamour of predecessors Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Cole, 50, who danced on the BBC programme from 2004 to 2017, shared his verdict while speaking to Express.co.uk on behalf of Sky Vegas. He admitted he is enjoying the new "throuple" format but raised concerns about their appearance on the Sunday results show, describing their outfits as "sloppy".
Hosts 'Finding Their Feet'
Cole acknowledged the new hosts are still settling into their roles, saying: "They definitely feel like they're finding their hosting feet... as a throuple! I was always concerned about the throuple, because it felt like there wasn't a clear role for each of them. Emma had her role as the anchor, if you like and I think she's very good."
He added: "I think they have needed a bit of time to find their feet, and perhaps they're getting there. At least Josh [Widdicombe] was wearing a shirt and tie on the Saturday night show but I am still struggling with the more sloppy look in the results show."
Call for More Glamour
Cole contrasted the hosts' attire with that of the judges, noting: "Craig and Anton were in tuxedos. The show is glamorous, I am missing the glamour from the three. I want the hosts to look like they are the head of the show."
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down from the series in 2025, with Willis, Widdicombe and Radebe unveiled as their replacements.
Sarah Storey's Departure
Cole also commented on the departure of Dame Sarah Storey, the 48-year-old Paralympian who became the third celebrity voted off the show on Sunday evening. He said: "She hasn't been a particularly strong dancer, so she was never really going to be a contender. But she had a nice number to finish on. She looked like she enjoyed it and she got into character, which is half the battle. I hope she had a lovely time on the show, and week four? That's not bad."
He added: "They were the right couple to go in my opinion. At the start of the show, out of 15 couples, there are always going to be four or five that don't really show much promise. The rest have a chance to improve and get themselves somewhere near the end. Sarah was one of those who just didn't have that dance ability in the first place, so her days were pretty much numbered from the start."
Over the weekend, Icons Week returned with the remaining 13 couples performing as various kings and queens of music, with some unexpected triumphs. Strictly Come Dancing returns Saturday on BBC One at 6.30pm.
