Rylan Clark has described the new Strictly Come Dancing presenting set-up as “different”, urging viewers to “let everyone settle in”. He is well placed to weigh in on the new line-up, having spent four years on sister show It Takes Two and counting new host Emma Willis as a close friend. He has also worked with Josh Widdicombe, who has faced criticism from Strictly fans, on both The Last Leg and BBC Radio 2.
New presenting team
Emma Willis is now at the helm with professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe, after the presenting team changed in September. They replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who had become a key part of the show for years. Emma and Josh are paired for the live shows, with Johannes now on the mezzanine in Claudia’s former role — a three-host format that has prompted mixed reviews.
Rylan's verdict
Speaking to Heat magazine, Rylan said: "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."
He concluded: "It's different, but just let everyone settle in, and by the end of the series, no one will be saying anything's different." Rylan added that whoever took up the role could still face criticism because it's a "different" format and people will have opinions, no matter what the change is, so "enjoy it".
Chemistry tests
Rylan, who auditioned for the job, has also described the chemistry tests as like "GCSE Strictly". He told Digital Spy there was a "little B&M sparkly cloth on a table", explaining that the experience was "really fun". He said: "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.'"
