Rylan Clark has described the new Strictly Come Dancing presenting line-up as "different" and urged audiences to "let everyone settle in", offering his verdict on the reshuffle that saw him overlooked for the role.
Clark spent four years on the sister show It Takes Two and is close friends with new host Emma Willis. The new line-up, introduced in September, sees Willis lead alongside professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe. They replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who had presented the programme for years.
Mixed Reception for Three-Host Format
Willis and Widdicombe are paired for the live shows, with Radebe positioned on the mezzanine in the role formerly held by Winkleman. The three-host format has received a mixed reception. The Daily Express's Sasha Morris suggested Widdicombe "felt like an awkward spare part", adding he looked like "the work experience boy". i columnist Sarah Carson also observed the trio "looked a little awkward as a three at times".
Clark's Support for the New Hosts
Clark, who auditioned for the job, told Heat magazine: "I worked there for four years, so I love the show to bits. The day that Emma Willis, my telly wife, got the job, we spoke, and I was just so over the moon for her - I still am."
He added: "Josh Widdicombe, I think, is hilarious, and I've worked with him a few times on The Last Leg and at Radio 2. I think he's doing a great job. I think Johannes Radebe is doing a fantastic job, too."
Clark continued: "It's different, but just let everyone settle in, and by the end of the series, no one will be saying anything's different." He added that whoever assumed the position might still face criticism because it is a "different" format and people will have opinions, regardless of any changes made, so they should "enjoy it".
Chemistry Tests and the Snub
Clark also likened the chemistry tests to "GCSE Strictly", telling Digital Spy there was a "little B&M sparkly cloth on a table" and describing the experience as "really fun".
He told the outlet: "Like this little B&M sparkly cloth on a table, it was like a GCSE production, but it was really fun, and the chemistry tests went great, so I know that they just wanted to go for what they've gone for."
He added: "And I have seen a load of write-ups like, 'Just how bad did Rylan's chemistry tests go for him not to get the job?' And I'm like, 'It went really well, actually.'"
