Strictly Come Dancing New Hosting Trio Spark Mixed Reception
Strictly Come Dancing’s new hosting trio—Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe—sparked a mixed reception when the latest series began.
How the Presenting Lineup Changed
Changing the hosting team on the BBC flagship Saturday night entertainment show was never likely to be straightforward, bbc.com reported. Stepping into the sparkly shoes of long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman required expanding the team from two presenters to three and splitting their responsibilities.
Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe were paired for the live shows, where Widdicombe aims to inject humor before and after routines. Johannes Radebe took over Winkleman’s former mezzanine domain to lead celebrity post-dance interviews.
Critics Label the New Presenting Trio a Disaster
Initial notices proved harsh. The Times critic Carol Midgley labeled the trio “TV’s most awkward ménage à trois,” while The Daily Telegraph writer Chris Bennion declared the new throuple “an utter disaster.” Widdicombe drew particular criticism from Daily Express writer Sasha Morris, who described him as an awkward spare part resembling a work experience boy.
Freelance culture journalist Isobel Lewis told bbc.com that Widdicombe initially struggled by acting too much like a comedian rather than a traditional presenter during tight 20-second judge interactions. However, Lewis noted that Widdicombe has grown more comfortable reading autocue intros alongside Willis.
Other voices offered praise for the transition. Flo Sayers, co-host of the Strictly on the Sofa podcast, commended Radebe for acting as a supportive friend rather than a comedian.
Former judges and current peers also weighed in on the transition. Former judge Dame Darcey Bussell described the initial friction as natural teething problems. Former original judge Dame Arlene Philips offered a supportive verdict, stating she loves the new hosts. Current judge Craig Revel Horwood compared the new team dynamics to welcoming a new family member during an awkward holiday gathering, telling The Sun that Willis knows exactly what she is doing and that Widdicombe will shine once he relies on his off-the-cuff humor.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One on Saturday nights at 18:30 BST, with twelve couples remaining in the competition following the elimination of Dame Sarah Storey and partner Julian Caillon.
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