Richard Osman has shared his perspectives on enhancing the format of 'Strictly Come Dancing,' particularly in light of a recent decline in its viewing figures. The inaugural live broadcast featuring the new presenting duo, Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe, alongside Johannes Radebe in the 'Clauditorium,' faced criticism from the audience. Osman suggests that Radebe's role should be recalibrated to focus on the technical aspects of dance, distinguishing it from the 'emotional' and 'comic' flair previously brought by Claudia Winkleman.
Osman elaborated on his views during his podcast, 'The Rest Is Entertainment,' stating that Johannes's current role in the 'Clauditorium' requires adjustment. He believes that Radebe should not merely inherit Winkleman's lines but should instead delve into more 'technical details,' similar to what might be seen on 'It Takes Two.' Osman expressed doubt about Radebe's ability to replicate Winkleman's unique blend of emotional connection and comedic timing, or her talent for defusing tense moments.
Beyond the presenters, Osman also highlighted another aspect of the show that he finds irksome: the practice of celebrity contestants introducing themselves with phrases like 'You'll probably know me for' or 'I'm best known as.' He found these introductions to be 'embarrassing' for everyone involved – the celebrities, the show, and the viewers. He proposed a simpler, more direct alternative, such as 'Look, I train dogs on Channel Five,' suggesting it would be far less awkward.
The recent dip in ratings for 'Strictly's' first live show is a notable concern. The broadcast attracted 4.8 million viewers, a significant decrease from the previous year's 6.2 million for the corresponding event. This marks the first occasion since 2019 that the initial live show garnered fewer viewers than its pre-recorded launch episode. Although the pre-recorded launch this season saw a slight increase in peak viewership to 5.8 million, the average audience was 5.3 million, down from 5.4 million in 2025.
Before a series of controversies, including allegations regarding the treatment of celebrity participants and issues behind the scenes, which led to the departure of professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima and the implementation of stricter welfare protocols by the BBC, 'Strictly's' launch show reached a peak of 6.7 million viewers and averaged 6.3 million in 2023. A spokesperson for 'Strictly' commented that the show was still the most-watched program of the night, with a peak of 5 million viewers, and that overnight ratings do not fully capture the entirety of its on-demand audience.
The new presenting lineup, including Emma, Josh, and Johannes, has garnered varied responses since taking over from Tess and Claudia, who left the BBC program at the conclusion of the 2025 season. Emma openly admitted to feeling 'nervous' about the live broadcast. Josh, who co-presents on the dance floor with Emma, was humorously dubbed a 'spare part' by some viewers. Nevertheless, he did receive praise for a 'change partners' joke, a playful nod to the new musical chairs-style method used to pair contestants in the launch show, which left many viewers amused.
The recent shift in the 'Strictly Come Dancing' format has sparked considerable discussion among viewers and critics alike. Richard Osman's commentary highlights key areas for potential improvement, emphasizing the importance of presenters' roles and the overall tone of the show. The decline in live viewership, despite a stable pre-recorded launch, suggests that the new elements may not be resonating as strongly with the audience as anticipated. The mixed reactions to the new presenting team indicate a period of adjustment for both the show and its loyal fan base. As 'Strictly' continues its run, the production team will likely be evaluating these critiques to refine the viewer experience and reclaim its previous high ratings.
