Strictly Come Dancing viewers criticised host Josh Widdicombe for turning up to Halloween Week in a plain green suit, while his co-presenters dressed in full costume. The 43-year-old presenter stood out for the wrong reasons during the spooky-themed episode, with fans taking to social media to voice their disappointment.
Fans react to Josh's lack of costume
Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke all wore elaborate outfits to mark the occasion, and Emma Willis, 20, and Johannes Radebe, 39, added a spooky edge to their glamorous looks. Josh, however, presented the show without any hint of a Halloween costume, wearing only a sharp green suit.
Viewers at home blasted the host for not getting into the Strictly spirit. One viewer complained: 'Did they not let Josh dress up this week as he didn't do his homework or something?' Another asked: 'Why is Josh the only one who isn't dressed up?'
A third sarcastically teased: 'I see Josh has pushed the boat out for Halloween with his costume. Sometimes, I get the feeling he really doesn't want to be there.' One more moaned: 'Soo disappointed in Josh. He could have at least put in some effort on a Halloween costume.'
Co-hosts call out Josh on air
Later in the show, Emma and Johannes rinsed Josh's lacklustre Halloween efforts. Introducing Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzman, Josh said: 'Our next couple went trick or treating this week so Emma and Jojo said we should dress up and do the same. But I know they're just trying to trick me into wearing a ridiculous costume. It takes a lot more than that to fool me.'
Emma arrived on stage dressed like a pumpkin and interrupted: 'What's happening? We're meant to be trick or treating, the three of us.' She added: 'Jojo's going to be so disappointed.' Dressed identically to Emma, Johannes cried: 'Oh, I see – too good for it, Joshy? No, no I gave you my heart. I didn't expect to get it back in pieces.'
Reports of host line-up changes
Josh always appeared like a wild card choice for Strictly Come Dancing, after experienced presenters such as Rylan Clark, Angela Scanlon and Zoe Ball – who all have ties to the show – were rumoured to have been in the running to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. It was a gamble which many have said hasn't quite paid off – at least not yet.
Subsequently, it's been reported the BBC is already looking ahead to tweak the line-up of hosts after just one series. A source speculated to The Daily Mail: 'When Emma, Josh and Johannes entered that room, they were seen to be the dream. Those at the BBC who didn't see them were shocked and didn't believe it could work. That view stands, it doesn't work. Not only have many of the traditional viewers stopped watching, the show has become the butt of jokes, a laughing stock. It's like those choosing were trying to be kooky and cool, and they saw something that might appeal to young people. It should be slicker, in the view of many at the top of the BBC, so there are changes afoot. There were so many brilliant presenters to choose from – Zoe Ball and Rylan Clark, for example – but they went for this lot.'
However, a BBC spokesperson insisted to Metro: 'This is pure and utter speculation.' Strictly Come Dancing continues tomorrow night at 7.10pm on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
