Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez has defended his former co-star Johannes Radebe following criticism of the show's new presenting line-up, urging viewers to "let him have a chance."
Marquez, who left the BBC show in April 2026, appeared on BBC Breakfast to discuss life after the competition and his latest project. When presenter Naga Munchetty asked about the backlash the series has faced since Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe took over presenting duties, Marquez championed the programme and encouraged audiences to "be patient."
Marquez Calls for Patience with New Presenters
Marquez said: "I have my opinion and without offending anybody, I think people think it's big shoes to fill. It's not big shoes to fill." He added: "I feel us, as people, sometimes we don't like changes. Changes make us feel uncomfortable and we are very quick when something changes to go 'Oh, it's not like before'. So I think especially the audience needs to be patient, we need to be patient and give people a chance."
Praising the trio, he said: "Emma is amazing, Johannes is a superstar, a talented person. He's never done that before, let him have a chance. It's like when you go dancing and after one time you're like 'Oh no, it's no good'. Just give me a chance, you know?" He continued: "So we need to be patient, let them just take time and let them get confident with it, and I think sometimes changes are good. Don't compare to the past, just think it's a new thing."
Support for Josh Widdicombe and Life After Strictly
On the addition of Josh Widdicombe as a third presenter, Marquez said: "I think it's different, and I think he brings the comedy, the sarcasm with the jokes and his point of view. I think it's great," reports Wales Online.
Reflecting on watching the show from home, Marquez confessed: "Oh, it's lovely. I love it, get to Saturday night, sat at home with the children, put the telly on and watch it. It's nice, there's no stress." He added: "I miss dancing though, but I don't miss the 24/7 overthinking, worrying, panicking. Because it's not about me, it's about that person [their partner] and I want to make the best experience for that person, so you are constantly thinking of ideas, routines, how I can do the best for them. So now I don't have the stress, it's just enjoy as a spectator."
New Festive Show and Grateful Farewell
Marquez also revealed he will appear in a new festive dancing production, Xmas on the Dance Floor. He said: "It's a very different show to all the Strictly tours we do over the year. It's all those Christmas songs, with a little bit of glam of Strictly, we are going to have amazing singers performing, it's a bit of everything. I say it's like a panto show with the glam of Strictly."
When Marquez confirmed his departure after a decade on the show, he posted on social media: "I will always be incredibly grateful to Strictly and the BBC for everything. Being part of the show has been so much more than just a professional opportunity – over the past 10 years, it allowed me to build a career from my passion, find love, start a family, and make lifelong friends. For that, I will forever be thankful."
Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas also backed new co-host Josh Widdicombe, calling him "brilliant at his job" after criticism of his presenting approach. Speaking at the Pride of Britain Awards, she said the refreshed presenting team has given the show a "fresh" atmosphere. Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One on Saturday at 6.30pm.
