BREAKING NEWS: Josh Widdicombe gives a three-word response after facing a mixed and hostile reaction from viewers to his Strictly debut.
Josh Widdicombe has responded to criticism of his Strictly Come Dancing presenting debut after viewers reacted strongly to the BBC show’s new-look hosting line-up.
The comedian joined Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe as the new presenters of the long-running Saturday night favourite following the departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Josh’s first appearance sparked plenty of discussion online, but he appeared unfazed while speaking about the reaction on his Parenting Hell podcast with co-host Rob Beckett.
Rob was quick to praise his friend, telling him: “I thought it was amazing!”
A delighted Josh replied: “Thank you for being so kind.”
He then added: “Thank you everyone for being so kind, genuinely.”
Rob Beckett Defends Josh After Viewer Criticism
Rob had also shared a supportive Instagram post after Josh’s first episode.
During their podcast conversation, Josh recalled one viewer complaining that everyone on Strictly appeared “too happy”.
Josh joked: “Someone put like, ‘Did anyone find that everyone was just too happy on it?’ It’s Strictly!”
Rob responded by mocking the criticism.
“They said ‘It felt it was a bit too OTT and everyone was too happy like they were being paid to dance’,” he said.
He added: “I’m like, ‘That’s exactly what’s happened’.”
Rob then reassured Josh that he had performed well in his new role.
“I thought it was brilliant Josh, you should be really proud,” he said.
The trio have taken over one of the BBC’s biggest entertainment programmes, meaning their debut was always likely to face close scrutiny from viewers familiar with Tess and Claudia.
Body Language Expert Claims Josh Looked Nervous
Although Josh sounded relaxed while discussing the reaction afterwards, body language expert Inbaal Honigman offered a very different interpretation of his behaviour during the launch show.
Speaking on behalf of Covers.com, she claimed Emma appeared to be taking on much of the presenting responsibility.
“Emma is carrying the presenter duties almost single-handedly, and they all know it,” she said.
Inbaal then suggested Josh looked anxious during the broadcast.
“As Josh gets used to the new job, he is panicking internally,” she claimed.
She pointed to the way Josh positioned himself beside Emma as one of the signs behind her interpretation.
“When the three stand together, Josh leans towards Emma, showing that he is depending on her,” she said.
“Josh tries to tuck himself slightly behind the others, as if trying to avoid getting noticed or picked first at school.”
Her comments are an interpretation of his body language rather than confirmation of Josh’s actual feelings during the programme.
‘He’s Not Having Fun Yet’
Inbaal also focused on Josh’s use of the autocue, suggesting his concentration revealed how seriously he was taking the new role.
“Josh’s eyes are concentrating hard on the space in front of him when he speaks, glancing intently into the prompter as if his life depends on it,” she said.
She continued: “He is doing his best to stick to the script, and even in his smile, his mounting panic shows.”
The expert also claimed that while Josh was smiling, she did not believe he looked completely relaxed.
“He smiles with his mouth, cheeks rounded, but Josh’s smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes,” she said.
“This smile shows that for Josh, this is serious business. He’s not having fun yet.”
Josh Previously Admitted He Was Nervous
Josh himself had already acknowledged feeling anxious before making his Strictly debut.
Speaking on The One Show ahead of the launch, he admitted: “It’s nerve-wracking because it feels like we’ve been waiting for so long to do this.”
He then confessed: “I’ve been living in a ball of fear.”
Despite those nerves and the mixed reaction from some viewers, Josh’s latest comments suggest he is taking the criticism in his stride.
With Emma, Johannes and Josh only just beginning their first series together, the new presenting trio still have plenty of time to settle into their roles.
For now, Josh appears grateful for the support he has received — and determined not to let the early backlash overshadow his new chapter on Strictly Come Dancing.
