Strictly Come Dancing viewers have picked up on an awkward dynamic between host Josh Widdicombe and judge Motsi Mabuse, with some describing her comments as 'rude'.
Fans react to on-screen tension
As the BBC show returns for movies week, fans have noted an unusual energy between the pair. One viewer, Leljoyce, wrote on X: 'I'm sensing a bit of tension from Motsi when Josh talks to her.' Another, Drrewrya, shared: 'Motsi is weirdly rude to Josh everytime she speaks?'
BillyElliot1999 went further, claiming she 'just can't hide her contempt for Josh', while rjjo85 asked: 'Anyone else noticed Motsi being a bit harsh to Josh? Did it last week and now this.'
Jokey exchange and Motsi's backing
Last week, a jokey interaction saw Josh say he was ready to hear from head judge Shirley Ballas, moving on from Motsi. She responded: 'Are we going to be friends or enemies? You choose now!'
Outside the studio, Motsi has shown support for Josh. After his live debut faced backlash, she wrote on Threads: 'While people type away, tearing apart real human beings on television, real emotions !!!!!!!' She added: 'AI is getting better at replacing them. One day we might not even know the difference. And maybe then we'll miss the days when television was still beautifully, imperfectly human.'
New hosting trio and upcoming elimination
Josh, 43, and Emma Willis, 50, have been teaming up with Johannes Radebe to interact with celebrities and judges, following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman last season. Fans have called for Josh to move upstairs to interview duos, but he has remained in his current role.
The first elimination of the season will be revealed tomorrow night. Metro has contacted representatives for Motsi and Josh for comment. Strictly Come Dancing airs at weekends on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
