Matt Willis defends Emma as Strictly host role confirmed

Matt Willis has shared his wife Emma's true feelings about Strictly Come Dancing, confirming she is "over the moon" with her new role as host.

Emma Willis, known for hosting The Voice and Big Brother, has joined comedian Josh Widdicombe and former Strictly pro dancer Johannes Radebe as the new hosts of the BBC show. The trio has received mixed responses since the first live show aired on Saturday, September 26, with some viewers criticising the new setup.

Matt Willis praises Emma's Strictly role

Appearing on Wednesday's (October 14) live episode of BBC Breakfast, Busted star Matt, 43, spoke to hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent about Emma's feelings towards Strictly. Jon asked: "It's been a new start for Strictly, there has been lots of scrutiny on whether it's working or how it's working. But from the inside, from home, Emma's happy?"

"She's over the moon", Matt confirmed. "I think she's doing a brilliant job. She adores the show. She's such a fan, so for her to be presenting Strictly is like a dream job, and I think you can tell how much she loves it. She's having a ball, she's really enjoying herself."

Viewer reactions to the new hosts

Matt expressed that he too is "loving" the new season of Strictly, adding: "I love it, it's my first time religiously watching the show, and I love it. I'm well in." He also confirmed he had visited the Strictly ballroom to watch one of the shows, saying it was "very impressive in real life".

Matt and Emma have been married since July 5, 2008, and are parents to three children: Isabelle, Ace, and Trixie Grace. Emma, 50, has managed to sidestep most of the criticism during the presenter shake-up.

Some viewers have praised the new trio on social media. One person wrote on X: "Controversial but Emma is so much better than Tess!" A second added: "Josh should be upstairs with JoJo all the time and Emma downstairs on her own. It works so much better and is so much better to watch." A third said: "The hosts are actually good; it's the judges and pros who are becoming more annoying this year tbh. (Emma best host they have ever had) #strictly", while another exclaimed: "Emma so fun!! Love her #strictly."