Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Ian Waite has predicted that Josh Widdicombe will return as a host of the show next year, despite the comedian facing criticism over his new presenting role.
Widdicombe fronts the BBC dance competition alongside Emma Willis and professional dancer Johannes Radebe, replacing former hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. During the early stages of the competition, Widdicombe faced the most criticism of the three presenters, with some viewers questioning the need for a third host, particularly a comedian.
Ian Waite on the 'odd' three-presenter format
Speaking on behalf of Best Betting Bonuses, Waite told Express.co.uk: "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."
"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," he continued.
Backlash and future prospects
Asked about the backlash against Widdicombe, Waite said: "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 believes the presenting trio will return 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," he said.
Zoe Ball's failed audition
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 roles. After learning she had been unsuccessful, she claimed she went through "seven stages of grief", although she also expressed her happiness for the new hosts.
Reflecting on her chances of landing the role, Waite 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."
"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," he added.
"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," he concluded.
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One.
