Josh Widdicombe is likely to return as a host of Strictly Come Dancing next year, according to former professional dancer Ian Waite, despite early viewer backlash over the presenting shake-up.
Widdicombe presents the BBC ballroom show alongside Emma Willis and professional dancer Johannes Radebe, having taken over from previous hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. In the opening weeks of the series, the comedian bore the brunt of criticism, with some fans questioning why a third presenter was needed.
Waite defends the new presenting line-up
Speaking to Express.co.uk on behalf of Best Betting Bonuses, Ian Waite said: "I think everybody was kind of a little bit shocked. Like, 'This is odd', three presenters, and, you know, we had to get used to Claudia and Tess, two women presenting a big entertainment show like that together, and that took some time as well."
He added: "That wasn't instant that everybody loved it. But I think it's just one of those things you have to get used to, and they're definitely finding their roles now. Like Johannes is starting to talk about dancing more and relating himself to the couples, which makes a lot of sense."
Waite continued: "Emma's establishing herself as the anchor of the show, and then you've got Josh who is the funny man, and it's getting better as we go on, like the chemistry, and I think it's just finding their feet, really."
Backlash and confidence in the trio
Addressing the backlash aimed at Widdicombe, Waite commented: "It's a difficult role to play because everybody's expecting so much, so it's a really tough position to be in. And I think people are warming to him, so it might take a little bit of time, that's all."
Despite the criticism, Waite is confident the trio will be back at the helm next year. "I think so, definitely. I think so. I think by the end of this series, it'll feel a little bit more normal, and they'll have found their niche in their presenting, which is what I think we needed to see from them."
Zoe Ball's audition disappointment
Waite's former celebrity dance partner Zoe Ball, who previously fronted Strictly: It Takes Two, was among those who auditioned for the main show's presenting role. After being told she hadn't made the cut, she admitted to going through "seven stages of grief", though she also expressed happiness for the newly appointed hosts.
Before going public about the outcome, Ball had confided in Waite about her disappointment. Reflecting on her prospects, he said: "She would have been perfect for the job. I think maybe, you know, they were thinking we have to move forward and have fresh blood in there rather than go back to the [previous] hosts."
He added: "I know that she was devastated. And when she told me, she told me she didn't get the job before it was announced, so I kind of knew."
Waite also noted the unusual combination of the new presenters: "I think there was quite a few people [who auditioned for the roles], so it's interesting that they came out with this combination, which looks on screen very odd because of the differences in heights and just doesn't sort of like match each other. But I think that could be the key to the success, I don't know. They're so different."
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One.
