BREAKING: Strictly Come Dancing viewers ‘distracted’ by new host as they make same comment
Strictly Viewers All Say the Same Thing About Josh Widdicombe After New Trailer Drops
Strictly Come Dancing viewers were supposed to be focusing on the glitter, professional dancers and first look at the show’s revamped presenting line-up.
Instead, many found themselves completely distracted by Josh Widdicombe.
The comedian appears alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe in a new promotional trailer for the 2026 series, which marks the first season with the trio replacing longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
While the clip was designed to showcase the BBC competition’s fresh era, one detail quickly began dominating the reaction online: Josh’s enthusiastic attempt at dancing.
The teaser features the judging panel alongside the professional dancers, with the familiar costumes, sparkling sets and high-energy choreography all firmly in place.
Emma, Josh and Johannes are also shown together as the programme introduces its new presenting team.
But Josh’s appearance proved difficult for some viewers to ignore.
Viewers Demand More Josh Dancing
Comedian Joe Lycett was among those who singled him out.
“Dozens of incredible, professional dancers, and I can’t keep my eyes off Josh Widdicombe,” he wrote.
One viewer immediately responded: “I want to see him dance.”
DJ Sara Cox had a similar reaction.
“Yes. Please can we see more of Josh Widdicombe dancing?” she wrote. “I think it’s my new favourite thing.”
Another viewer added: “Omg, Josh Widdicombe. Yes. This is going to be wild.”
Josh can be seen showing off a few moves toward the end of the trailer, waving his arms before joining Emma and Johannes.
The brief moment was enough to leave viewers wondering whether he might end up doing considerably more dancing once the live series begins.
And Josh appears more than willing.
Responding to Sara’s request, he joked: “If that’s what the public wants, I can’t deny them.”
Fans Spot Josh’s Huge Excitement
It was not only his dancing that caught attention.
Some viewers thought Josh looked so thrilled to be there that he resembled someone who had won a competition to appear on the programme.
“Josh Widdicombe looks like he’s a competition winner,” one person joked.
Another told him: “You look like you’ve been for a lovely day out.”
Far from disagreeing, Josh made clear just how much he had enjoyed filming the promotional clip.
In the comments, he described the shoot as “one of the great days of his life” and said he was “so excited” to be joining the programme.
His obvious enthusiasm has become an early talking point ahead of what will be one of the biggest changes to Strictly in years.
Emma, Josh and Johannes are taking over hosting duties following the departure of Tess and Claudia, placing all three under immediate scrutiny from longtime viewers.
Johannes already has a particularly close connection to the programme as one of its professional dancers, while Emma and Josh bring experience from elsewhere in British television and entertainment.
Strictly Confirms 2026 Launch
Alongside the trailer, the BBC confirmed that the new series will arrive on iPlayer from September 19.
“Let’s get this party started! Watch brand-new #Strictly on iPlayer from 19 Sept,” the broadcaster announced.
“Dazzling routines, sparkling sets and the glitziest of costumes – fifteen new celebrities are ready to take to the Strictly floor!”
The promotional footage suggests that despite the major change at the front of the show, producers are keeping the visual ingredients viewers associate with Strictly firmly intact.
The professional dancers are back, the ballroom remains filled with sparkle and a new group of 15 celebrities is preparing to compete.
But before any of them have even taken to the floor, Josh has unexpectedly become one of the trailer’s biggest talking points.
And judging by his response to viewers asking for more dancing, he may be perfectly happy to keep giving them something to talk about.
