Strictly Presenter Backlash
Emma Willis Defends Strictly's New Presenting Team Amid Mixed Viewer Reactions
Anonymous
Key Points
1
The pre-recorded launch show averaged 5.3 million viewers, down from 5.4 million the previous year, although its peak of 5.8 million was slightly above 2025’s 5.6 million. The first live show’s 4.8 million audience was the first time since 2019 that it rated below the launch show.
2
The first live show had no public vote or elimination; under the new format, Willis and Widdicombe presented by the judges’ table while Radebe met dancers backstage before the score reveal.
3
Widdicombe said on his Parenting Hell podcast that he had stepped back from social media and was spending time on other activities, including sorting things out at home and playing a computer game.
4
Some viewers suggested Widdicombe might be better suited to presenting from the Clauditorium, while others called for Radebe to leave the hosting role and return to dancing.
5
The ratings article placed the audience figures against Strictly’s recent controversies, including allegations about the treatment of celebrity contestants and behind-the-scenes culture, the departures of professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, and the BBC’s subsequent introduction of tougher welfare measures.
Emma Willis pushed back against Strictly Come Dancing criticism with a defiant Instagram post: "You'll get judged either way, so may as well pick the fun option." Daily Mail The new presenting trio—Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe—has faced mixed reactions since taking over from Tess Daly, with particular scrutiny on Widdicombe's performance and missed cues.
The show's opening live episode drew 4.8 million viewers, down sharply from 6.2 million for the equivalent show last year. Express This marks the first time since 2019 that the live premiere fell below the pre-recorded launch show's audience of 5.3 million viewers.
Widdicombe Steps Back From Social Media Backlash
Josh Widdicombe has responded to criticism by withdrawing from social platforms. Express On his Parenting Hell podcast, he revealed he was spending less time online and instead focusing on personal projects—sorting things at home and playing computer games. Express The comedian's role drew particular fire from viewers over on-air stumbles during the launch episodes.
Ratings Drop Follows Major Format Shake-Up
The pre-recorded launch show averaged 5.3 million viewers, nearly flat compared to 5.4 million last year, though its peak of 5.8 million slightly beat the previous year's 5.6 million. Headline Topics The first live show's 4.8 million audience represented a steeper decline. Headline Topics Under the new format, Willis and Widdicombe presented from the judges' table while Radebe appeared backstage—a structure that confused viewers expecting traditional hosting.
Viewers Debate Hosting Roles and Radebe's Future
Fan reaction split sharply over the new team's roles. Express Some suggested Widdicombe would suit the Clauditorium position better, while others called for Radebe to step down from hosting and return to professional dancing. Express Willis's Instagram post drew supportive comments, with some viewers welcoming the trio's different approach to the long-running show.
New Team Arrives Amid Strict Welfare Crackdown
The presenting change comes as Strictly battles its reputation. Express The BBC recently tightened welfare measures following allegations about contestant treatment and behind-the-scenes culture. Express High-profile departures of professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima added to the show's credibility crisis entering this season. Express
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
13
Articles
8
Reach
21
Topics
A
AnonymousAuthor
