Strictly Come Dancing appeared to address criticism of host Josh Widdicombe during Saturday evening's live show, using humour to respond to detractors.
The BBC ballroom show returned for week five of the current series, with all 12 remaining contestants competing for a place in Halloween Week. Widdicombe welcomed viewers alongside co-hosts Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe, who took over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman this autumn.
Dart gag and autocue joke
Before dog trainer Graeme Hall's routine, Willis introduced Hall as playing an undercover spy with his pro partner Lauren Oakley. Widdicombe joked to his co-host: 'I've always had this funny feeling about Graeme. It's all these different characters every week. It's suspicious.'
Willis dismissed it as paranoia, but Widdicombe then acted out being hit by a red-feathered dart behind the shot, falling to the floor off screen, prompting laughter from the audience.
Later, Widdicombe intentionally misread the autocue ahead of Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola's tango, saying: 'To make sure they had a moment of calm before tonight's performance, Lacey suggested they take a bath together.' Willis prompted him to read it again, and Widdicombe apologised, correcting it to 'a sound bath together.'
Mixed reception for new hosts
The new hosts have received a mixed reception since their debut a month ago, with Widdicombe facing the brunt of criticism after fluffing lines early on and talking over Willis at points. The pair have been tasked with injecting humour into moments before and after dance routines, but results have been hit-and-miss with viewers and critics.
Radebe has taken over from Winkleman in the renamed Clauditorium mezzanine, where he interviews stars post-dance and adds ballroom expertise to the commentary. As time has gone on, viewer reaction on social media appears to be warming to the trio, as Widdicombe looks more comfortable in the role, which might explain the willingness to take jabs at the criticism.
Strictly Come Dancing returns for the results show on Sunday evening at 7.10pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
