Strictly's new trio draws 5.8m viewers but fans say Josh Widdicombe looks OUT OF PLACE
From the Newshound archive · first published 19 September 2026 · last updated 20 September 2026.
A social-media post mocking the new three-presenter format captures the divided audience reaction as Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe took over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly's 24th…A jaw-dropped reaction post on X reflects the split audience response, with many viewers questioning why Strictly Come Dancing needed three hosts while others welcomed Emma Willis as a "natural".Dani Dyer, 30, was reunited with Nikita Kuzmin after a fractured ankle forced her to withdraw from last year's series, while Bethany Antonia became emotional on being paired with Nancy Xu.Bethany Antonia (left) and Nancy Xu, whose pairing marked Strictly's first same-sex coupling since 2022, with Antonia calling the partnership "unbelievably special" after revealing her late grandmother shared her…
Emma Willis stole the show as Strictly Come Dancing's revamped three-host line-up drew 5.8 million viewers for Saturday's launch — up on the previous two years. Audiences hailed Willis a 'natural' and 'the goddess of British TV', while Johannes Radebe impressed with an assured debut fronting the ballroom. But Josh Widdicombe faced a wave of online criticism, with fans branding him 'out of his depth' and demanding to know why three hosts are needed at all.
Tess Daly, who left after 21 years, posted a warm Instagram message wishing the new trio good luck 'in flat shoes'.
Willis has quashed speculation that Radebe would serve as a backstage roving reporter, saying: 'That's not a thing.'
Emmerdale star Lawrence Robb caused an awkward moment by telling the new hosts he 'empathised' with them for filling 'Claudia and Tess' boots'.
