Josh Widdicombe, a prominent comedian, has publicly defended his inaugural appearance as a co-host on the popular dance competition "Strictly." His remarks come after the episode garnered a divided response from the audience. The show, which saw a significant shake-up in its presenting lineup, welcomed Widdicombe alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe, replacing long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. This change sparked considerable debate among fans, with many expressing reservations about the new three-person format.
Details of the Broadcast and Public Reaction
On Saturday, September 22, 2026, the pre-recorded opening of the new "Strictly" season aired, marking the debut of Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis, and Johannes Radebe as co-hosts. While Emma Willis received widespread acclaim, a segment of the audience felt that Johannes Radebe's talents were better utilized on the dance floor, and Josh Widdicombe's presence as a third host was met with skepticism. Despite the criticisms, Widdicombe maintained a positive outlook, stating on his podcast "Parenting Hell" that he "loved it" and found the experience with Willis and Radebe "joyful." He humorously recounted attempting to host a viewing party for 20 friends, only for technical difficulties to prevent him from hearing anything. He also reflected on the difference between being a stand-up comedian, where he is the central focus, and a co-host, where he is a smaller component of a larger production, noting, "Strangely, I’m not a huge part of this. This is a show we are a bit of.'
The BBC's decision to overhaul the show's established format, including a new lineup of presenters and celebrity contestants, aimed to revitalize its appeal. However, the gamble has not fully paid off in terms of viewership, with the launch show's peak audience of 5.8 million viewers only slightly surpassing the previous year's 5.6 million. Moreover, the average viewership for the episode actually saw a slight decrease, settling at 5.3 million compared to 5.4 million in 2025, indicating that some viewers ultimately tuned out.
The introduction of Josh Widdicombe to the "Strictly" hosting team has certainly ignited conversation. While some viewers may prefer the traditional two-host format, Widdicombe's positive attitude and his co-hosts' strong performances offer a fresh dynamic to the beloved show. It highlights the inherent challenge of evolving a long-running and cherished program while balancing innovation with audience expectations.
