Entertainment · TV & Streaming · 4 hrs ago
Strictly’s new presenters are gradually settling into their roles
Strictly Come Dancing has a new three-person hosting team this series: Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe.
They replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who had presented the BBC show together.
Willis and Widdicombe host the live shows, while Radebe interviews celebrities after their dances.
The change drew a mixed response when the series began, with some critics finding the new roles awkward and confusing.
Widdicombe received particular criticism for trying to add comedy during brief exchanges with judges.
Critics now say the presenters are gradually becoming more comfortable in their roles, though some concerns remain.
The team continues hosting the current series, and viewers’ reactions are still developing.
Strictly Come Dancing’s new three-person presenting team has faced mixed reviews since the latest series began.
Critics say the presenters are gradually becoming more comfortable in their roles.
Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe host the live shows, while Johannes Radebe interviews celebrities after their dances.
Some critics have singled out Widdicombe’s comic contributions as awkward or distracting.
Ratings have dipped, and the jury is still out on the new team.
- Who
- Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, the new Strictly Come Dancing presenting team.
- What
- The trio has received mixed reviews, though critics say they are gradually settling into their roles.
- When
- The latest series began about a month before the article was published on 23 October 2026. The presenters made their debuts in September.
- Where
- Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC’s Saturday night entertainment show.
- Why
- The change replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman with three presenters in different roles, altering the show’s presenting format.
Critics of the new team
Observers who say the team is improving
Reception
Critics of the new team
Some critics called the new hosting team awkward or a disaster.
Observers who say the team is improving
Some observers say the presenters are gradually relaxing into their roles.
Widdicombe’s role
Critics of the new team
Critics have said his comic contributions can feel awkward, distracting or like an attempt to take attention.
Observers who say the team is improving
Isobel Lewis says he seems more comfortable over time and that some fans are warming to him.
The new presenters made their debuts on Strictly Come Dancing.
Caroline Frost says there were some bumps in the road.
The latest series began and the new presenters received a mixed reception.
Critics said the presenters were gradually settling into their roles.
- Presenting team
- Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe
- Previous presenters
- Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman
- Live-show hosts
- Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe
- Celebrity interviews
- Johannes Radebe conducts interviews after each routine
- Ratings
- Have dipped
What people are saying
He's basically acting too much like a comedian to be a presenter
they do appear to be very slowly relaxing into their new roles
It's a mess, a muddle, a confusing pudding
felt like an awkward spare part