BREAKING NEWS: Strictly fans spot major problem with Josh Widdicombe taking over from Tess Daly
Strictly Come Dancing newcomer Josh Widdicombe has faced a wave of criticism following his first live show, with some viewers claiming he looked “lost” alongside co-host Emma Willis.
Josh made his live presenting debut on Saturday as part of the BBC show’s new three-person hosting team with Emma and former professional dancer Johannes Radebe.
The trio have replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman for the 2026 series, but the revamped format has not received universal praise.
While Johannes also faced complaints over microphone and timing problems, Josh became the focus of significant viewer reaction after some fans described him as a “spare part”.
Viewers Say Josh Looked ‘Lost’
The new presenting structure sees Emma and Josh positioned near the judges’ table while Johannes welcomes couples upstairs before their scores are revealed.
But some viewers were unconvinced by Josh’s role on the main ballroom floor.
One fan, whose earlier “spare part” remark had already attracted attention, clarified that they were not criticising Josh’s wider career.
“Josh is great, love his podcast and The Last Leg but he just stands there next to Emma looking lost,” they wrote.
They added that, given the scale of Strictly, they did not believe there was much room for an extended settling-in period.
Another viewer described Josh as “awkward” and suggested the combination of presenters was difficult to watch.
Others questioned why the BBC had chosen hosts without more traditional live entertainment presenting experience.
Some Fans Want Different Presenting Line-Up
Several viewers suggested alternative arrangements.
One fan argued that Emma and Rylan Clark would have made a stronger presenting partnership, while calling for Johannes to return to dancing.
Another referenced Dermot O’Leary’s past comments about the assumption that presenting requires little specialist experience.
They said they did not blame Josh or Johannes for accepting such a high-profile job, but questioned why the BBC had not relied on more established presenters.
A separate viewer went even further, questioning why Josh had been chosen to follow in the footsteps of former Strictly hosts such as Bruce Forsyth.
Those reactions represent individual viewer opinions rather than any formal assessment of Josh’s performance.
Not Everyone Agreed With the Criticism
Josh also received support from some fans.
One viewer said they did not understand the backlash and felt he had performed well in a live presenting role.
They praised Emma as strongly as expected, while suggesting Johannes appeared less comfortable at times.
That more positive reaction reflected the wider divide among viewers as the new hosting team attempts to establish its own rhythm.
First Live Show Draws 4.8 Million Average
Despite the debate surrounding the presenters, the opening live show attracted a substantial audience.
According to the BBC, the programme peaked at five million viewers and averaged 4.8 million across its two-and-a-half-hour runtime.
A Strictly spokesperson said: “Strictly was the most watched programme of the night, with a peak of five million viewers.
“As ever, overnight ratings do not give the full picture of all those who watch in an on-demand world.”
The previous week’s launch episode had peaked at 5.8 million viewers and averaged 5.3 million.
Saturday’s episode was also number one on the BBC iPlayer most popular chart at the time reported.
John Nellis Tops First Leaderboard
Away from the hosting debate, social media star John Nellis and professional partner Katya Jones finished at the top of the first live-show leaderboard.
Their Foxtrot to Alex Warren’s Ordinary earned 31 points.
Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas praised it as “the best dance of the night”, while Craig Revel Horwood described the routine as “classy, elegant and graceful”.
Australian singer Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington followed with 29 points for their Samba to Baiana by Barbatuques.
At the other end of the leaderboard, three couples finished tied on 15 points.
There was no public vote or elimination in the opening show.
For the new presenting team, however, the first live night ensured attention was focused just as heavily on those holding the microphones as those performing on the dance floor.
