B0MBSHELL: Emma Willis issues Strictly update after huge presenter backlash
Emma Willis made her Strictly Come Dancing debut over the weekend.
Emma issued a Strictly update on social media (Image: Instagram)
Emma Willis has taken to Instagram with a major update after making her eagerly awaited Strictly Come Dancing debut on Saturday (September 19). Alongside Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdecombe, the trio fronted the pre-recorded launch show as the brand new co-hosts, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. This came in addition to a new line-up of celebrities being paired on the dancefloor and the arrival of five new professionals: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita.
On her social media page, the beloved presenter shared a carousel, giving her two million followers a glimpse into the lead-up to the launch show. Captioned: “Here’s the Strictly story so far,” Emma shared a selfie alongside her co-hosts and crew members in what appeared to be a run-through of their scripts. The 50-year-old also uploaded a behind-the-scenes look with a photo of the glammed-up celebrity contestants behind the curtains, waiting to take to the stage.
Emma shared a BTS glimpse of the launch show (Image: Instagram)
The post included a snap of the dressed-down professionals practising on the dance floor, as well as a photo of her dressing room door adorned with her name in true Strictly glitzy form.
Emma’s debut appeared to get the seal of approval from her predecessor, as Claudia took to the comments with a row of love heart emojis.
Pro Dianne Buswell inundated Emma with praise, adding: “You were all brilliant.”
As podcaster Giovanna Fletcher, whose husband Tom Fletcher competed in 2019, commented: ” So proud of you. We’re all in for a treat seeing your joy and warmth on our telly every weekend.”
“You were all amazing!! I felt like I had been invited to a party from my living room!! Smashed it,” added Scarlette Moffatt.
Another one of Emma’s celebrity pals added praise, as former Strictly contestant Angela Scanlon beamed: “SMASHED IT, BABE.”
The post comes after the trio received backlash for taking on the roles that Tess and Claudia had filled for 11 years, with viewers threatening to switch off as the presenters made their debut.
During a joint interview with Radio Times, Josh shrugged: “You can’t please everyone, and everyone has an opinion about Strictly. Some people won’t be happy that it’s us presenting, but there’s nothing you can do about it. I’m not here for negativity.
“What can you do? It’s a joyful show. I never read that kind of stuff before, and I’m not going to start now.”
