B0MBSHELL: Claudia Winkleman issues one-word verdict on Strictly replacement
Former Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman shared her verdict after the launch show.
Claudia shared her thoughts after the Strictly launch show (Image: BBC)
Emma Willis sent Strictly Come Dancing viewers wild as she made her debut on Saturday, September 19, and former presenter Claudia was one of the show’s fans who couldn’t help sharing her verdict. Claudia had been main presenter, replacing Bruce Forsyth in 2014 before she and co-star Tess Daly announced their exit at the end of 2025, with their replacements announced as Emma, comedian Josh Widdicombe and former pro dancer Johannes Radebe.
The trio appeared together for the first time during the launch show, as they watched the 2026 celebrity contestants be paired with their professional dancers. Emma took to Instagram with a series of backstage snaps, showcasing her nude, sparkly gown and sleek, slicked-back hairstyle. In her caption, she wrote: “Week one… I guess it’s officially happening then. Dress on, game face ready and fully prepared for the glitter to take over… Strictly, let’s be having you.”
Emma Willis’ presenting debut on Strictly was met with praise (Image: BBC)
Claudia offered her wholehearted support in the comments, describing Emma as a “knockout”. A host of other well-known faces echoed Claudia’s sentiment, amongst them Chris Stark, who wrote: “Just so so brilliant. It was like you’ve always been there. Congratulations Emma! The show is in safe hands with you”.
Gok Wan and Alison Hammond also left glowing comments, calling Emma “stunning”, while Strictly professional dancer Lauren Oakley declared the new presenter “beautiful”.
Claudia wasn’t the only Strictly figure to offer their verdict on the new hosts, as Craig Revel Horwood was asked for his thoughts during the show, to which he said: “Fabulous.”
However, opinions were more divided when it came to Josh and Johannes. One viewer asked: “Why on earth did the BBC choose Josh Widdicombe? Thank God I can watch it on catch-up and fast-forward him. Emma Willis did a fab job all round and looked beautiful.”
Another added: “Johannes should’ve stuck to the dancing because he isn’t a good presenter at all. Emma Willis is smashing it as usual, not to sure about Josh at the moment.”
A third viewer wrote about Johannes swapping from dancer to host: “I definitely want Emma Willis to stay, she’s great. Between Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, I think Josh should stay. I like Johannes, but he’s a better dancer than a host, sorry. I’ll keep watching to see what happens.”
