Taking over the reins of premier Saturday night entertainment show was always a daunting challenge. The departure of long-standing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman left a significant void, and the transition to a new three-person hosting team has introduced a shift in the program’s established rhythm. Changing the hosting team on flagship Saturday night entertainment show was never likely to be a waltz in the park. And giving them slightly different roles, upset the show’s rhythm even more, and going from two presenters to three. Although the show hasn’t completely solved the problem, she believes things have now improved. He would be a lovely middleman between what we’re seeing on the dance floor and what is going on technically.
Since the latest series launched a month ago, the new trio—Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe—has faced a polarized response. Into their sparkly shoes have stepped the safe and smooth Emma Willis; the flamboyant former professional dancer Johannes Radebe; and cheeky comedian Josh Widdicombe, a wildcard who was not hitherto associated with either the dance world or prime-time TV. Where he is tasked with injecting humour into the moments before and after each dance – with mixed results, say critics, willis and Widdicombe have been paired on the live shows. Widdicombe has been at the centre of comic sketches with the other hosts and judges. One episode featured Widdicombe and Willis in a Mary Poppins-inspired sketch.
The initial debut in September prompted harsh critiques in the press.
Carol Midgley of The Times described the group as television’s most awkward ménage à trois, while Chris Bennion of The Daily Telegraph labeled the new arrangement an utter disaster, describing it as a confusing muddle. Conversely, Metro’s Adam Miller praised the opening as a triumph, and the i Paper’s Sarah Carson suggested the show had played a blinder despite acknowledging occasional on-screen stiffness.
Josh Widdicombe has become the focal point of the negative feedback.
Critics, including the Daily Express’s Sasha Morris and the Independent’s Isobel Lewis, suggested Widdicombe appeared uncomfortable or akin to a spare part in the production.
Lewis, a freelance culture journalist, noted that Widdicombe often struggles to balance his natural comedic instincts with the demands of a structured presenting role. He’s basically acting too much like a comedian to be a presenter,” the freelance culture journalist tells. The problem grows when Widdicombe does what comes naturally as a good comedian, Lewis says, and tries to be spontaneous. So I’m excited to see what he wears every week, and his fashion has been amazing.
She observed that when he attempts spontaneity within the program’s tight, 20-second interview slots, it can come across as disruptive rather than engaging. They’ve got, like, 20 seconds with each judge. And that’s what lends it to feeling sloppy and like he’s constantly jumping in, it’s such a tight amount of time. I actually don’t think that is what he’s trying to do as a selfish act. Unfortunately it reads a bit like trying to steal attention and have the last laugh.
However, she also argued that he is gaining confidence as the series progresses.
The production style has also been a subject of scrutiny. Caroline Frost, editor of Radio Times TV and podcasts, pointed out that the first few episodes were marked by visible reliance on scripts and gags. Frost suggested that Widdicombe, being inherently likeable and funny, would benefit from more creative freedom rather than being shackled to the autocue. She proposed that production might be better served by utilizing Radebe’s strengths more effectively, perhaps by stationing him in rehearsal rooms to act as a talent pundit rather than having him struggle to manage the post-dance interviews. According to she, It’s unfair to put the criticism on Widdicombe, and says as time has gone on he feels less awkward, with comments online suggesting some fans are “warming to him”. And we know he’s a very funny man,” she notes. “He doesn’t need the shackles of the script that he’s currently handcuffed to, and I would love to see him take off those cuffs and become more spont, josh is very likeable.
While some segments, particularly on the Sunday results show, allow for flexibility, the primary hosting duties remain largely fixed. Despite early reports that Radebe might serve as a roving reporter, he has largely taken over the space formerly occupied by Winkleman. His transition has been received positively by many; Flo Sayers, co-host of a Strictly podcast, lauded his warmth and unique style, noting that his presence provides a welcome link to the show’s history.
As the series continues, there is a growing consensus that the trio is slowly finding its stride. While ratings have seen a slight decline, averaging around six million viewers, observers remain optimistic that the hosts will continue to develop their dynamic, much like the celebrity contestants improve their performance week by week. Unlike those contestants, however, the hosts cannot be voted off the show by the public. But critics say they are slowly getting into the groove, ratings have dipped and the jury’s still out. Very alert to the clock and to all of the other many demands of running a live show of that scale – but the really talented people can do that on the fly, it’s completely understandable that they would be very scripted. Down by about a million, sayers isn’t sure whether the new line-up has contributed to lower ratings – about six million people are tuning in every week this year.
Program Updates
- Current Status: The hosts are gradually adjusting to their respective roles and developing better on-screen chemistry.
- Viewer Reception: Initial negative reactions have softened as the series progresses and the team finds its rhythm.
- Next Broadcast: The next installment of Strictly Come Dancing will be aired on One at 18:30 BST this Saturday.
