Strictly Come Dancing viewers criticised Josh Widdicombe after he stumbled over his opening lines just minutes into the Icons Week episode broadcast on October 17. The presenter, 43, tripped over the word "spectacular" while trying to set the stage for the themed show, which celebrates music's most legendary figures and their greatest hits.
Opening the programme, Emma Willis announced: "Welcome to Strictly Come Dancing, and the next milestone in the calendar because it's Icons Week." Johannes Radebe added: "Tonight we have 12 incredible headliners for you, as our couples take on some of the greatest music legends of all time."
In his opening remarks, Josh attempted to promise viewers "some spectacular transformations, a killer playlist and a seemingly never-ending collection of wigs," but fumbled the word before quickly regaining his composure, reports the Express.
Viewers react to the slip-up
Audiences at home did not miss the mistake, with one commenting on X: "Josh fecked up his first line already." Another posted: "How many times is Josh gonna fluff his autocue tonight." A third observed: "Josh fudges up his lines after 50 seconds of the show My Strictly bingo card is on absolute fire already!" A fourth echoed: "And Josh f***s up with his first read of the autocue."
Another viewer noted: "Just started watching #Strictly & Josh Widdicombe has already messed up reading off an autocue.." The comedian has faced significant criticism since making his debut on the programme last month.
Calls to move Josh upstairs
A number of viewers have suggested Josh might be better suited to the upstairs role, interviewing contestants post-performance, but he has continued to remain downstairs alongside Emma. Just minutes into tonight's episode, one viewer remarked: "I thought they said they were going to play with having the presenters trying all the roles, but they persist with Emma and Josh downstairs, and it's still not working."
Another opined: "Three presenters is totally awkward & pointless. Josh Widdicome continues to act like an attention seeking spare part." A third suggested that Josh "still looks lost," while another demanded: "Get Josh upstairs FGS @bbcstrictly."
Some fans warming to Josh
However, not everyone shares that opinion, with many confessing they are starting to warm to Josh as a presenter. "Josh seems to be getting better each week. I like him & Emma together," one viewer expressed. Before the show aired another declared: "I think he's brilliant," while someone else added: "I'm enjoying these presenters, it's a fun vibe."
Meanwhile, the judges - Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke - surprised fans this weekend by dressing in line with the theme. While Shirley channelled Lady Gaga and Motsi embodied Beyonce, Craig and Anton stole the limelight in bucket hats, dark glasses and parkas as a nod to Oasis stars Liam and Noel Gallagher. Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
