Strictly Come Dancing's New Hosts: A Mixed Reception?
BBC News explores the latest addition to the Strictly Come Dancing presenting team.
Strictly's new hosting trio received a varied response when the series began a month ago. Ratings have dropped, but critics suggest they are improving.
Changing the presenting team for the BBC's iconic Saturday night show was never going to be an easy task. Adding a third host, and assigning them distinct roles, further complicated the dynamics.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's shoes are filled by:
- Emma Willis, a smooth and experienced presenter.
- Johannes Radebe, a former professional dancer who brings warmth and dance expertise to the celebrity interviews.
- Josh Widdicombe, a comedian who faced initial criticism for his unconventional approach.
Upon their debut in September, the new hosts were described as an "awkward ménage à trois" by Carol Midgley in The Times, and Chris Bennion from The Daily Telegraph labelled them a "disaster".
Sasha Morris from the Daily Express wrote that Widdicombe, in particular, felt like "an awkward spare part". Isobel Lewis from The Independent agreed, stating that Widdicombe "is a problem the show needs to solve".
However, as time has passed, some critics have noted improvements. Lewis suggests that Widdicombe is becoming more comfortable with his role, especially when introducing each act with Willis.
Yet, the challenges remain when Widdicombe attempts to be spontaneous, which Lewis attributes to his comedic instincts. She believes it's unfair to solely blame Widdicombe, as online comments suggest some viewers are starting to warm to him.
Caroline Frost, Radio Times TV and podcast editor, agrees that the initial backlash was strong, but the new hosts are gradually finding their groove.