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Strictly's big revamp fails to deliver ratings boost as viewers blast three-host lineup they never asked for

From the Newshound archive · first published 20 September 2026 · last updated 22 September 2026.

A social-media post lamenting the loss of "the Joodges" captures the fan backlash as Strictly Come Dancing's revamped launch drew just 5.3 million viewers, below even last year's already-diminished audience.
A social-media post lamenting the loss of "the Joodges" captures the fan backlash as Strictly Come Dancing's revamped launch drew just 5.3 million viewers, below even last year's already-diminished audience.

Strictly Come Dancing's bold overhaul stumbled out of the gate on Saturday as the launch show averaged 5.3 million viewers, down from 5.4 million in 2025. Fans on X vented that the new three-presenter format — Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe — feels overcrowded, with many demanding Radebe return to the dancefloor and questioning why Widdicombe is there at all. Viewers also struggled to recognise the celebrity lineup. The overnight peak of 5.8 million was up marginally on last year but failed to signal the surge the BBC had hoped a total revamp would deliver.

Willis was widely praised, with one reviewer calling her 'the single best thing that's ever happened to Strictly' — but Widdicombe drew the sharpest complaints.

Ellie Taylor, taking over the 'It Takes Two' spinoff, promises 'controlled chaos' and a 'really gossipy' format that won't shy away from judging panel rows.

MoreThe IndependentStrictly host says children see new role as a ‘great annoyance’Daily Mail NewsStrictly Come Dancing's big revamp flops as fans blast new hosting trio, struggle to identify any of the 'celebrity' contestants and fail to give show the ratings boost it hoped forThe HeraldStrictly host promises 'controlled chaos' on 'really gossipy' new look show
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