Strictly is 'in resus' as ratings slump to five million and BBC insiders blame the new hosting trio

From the Newshound archive · first published 3 October 2026 · last updated 4 October 2026.

Strictly Come Dancing's revamped first live show peaked at just over five million viewers, down sharply from the 6.2 million who watched the equivalent episode last year, with BBC insiders now describing the show as 'in resus.' The new hosting trio of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe has drawn a wave of criticism, with former professional dancer James Jordan declaring the presenting set-up 'doesn't really work.' The BBC's own Celebrity Traitors launch, fronted by departed host Claudia Winkleman, drew more than nine million viewers in the same week — a devastating comparison for the flagging flagship.

Jordan said Josh Widdicombe would be better placed in 'Claudia's room' and that three hosts was simply too many.

Widdicombe quit social media this week after a bruising public backlash following his debut performance.

Shirley Ballas faces a separate crisis, with the dance community reportedly warning she risks being removed as a judge at next week's International Championships over her relationship with competitor Giuseppe Nonnis.