Josh Widdicombe faces backlash after Strictly hosting debut

Comedian Josh Widdicombe faced criticism following his debut as a host on BBC entertainment show Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday.

Former professional dancer Brendan Cole claimed Widdicombe looked out of place standing alongside co-presenters Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe during the pre-recorded launch episode.

Cole, 50, spent 14 years as a professional on the show before leaving in 2018. Speaking to The Sun, he said Widdicombe was fun to watch and a good presenter, but described him as looking like a lamb to the slaughter.

Cole said: "I feel a bit sorry for him because he’s a bit like a lamb to the slaughter. He looked like a little lamb at times but not because he wasn’t good at his job."

Cole explained: "He’s not a dancer, he’s a comedian. He is a good presenter and he’s fun to watch. But on a show like Strictly, especially when Johannes Radebe is quite flamboyant and stands there all regally like only he would, and then alongside Emma Willis, the ultimate professional, she’s very strong and has quite a strong presenting style. That is probably the reason he’s getting the critique, it’s because it felt a little bit out of place."

Cole added that Widdicombe should be given a chance because viewers have only seen the launch show, noting that he would hate to be in the presenter's shoes.

BBC presenter changes spark viewer backlash

Strictly Come Dancing is an annual BBC celebrity ballroom dance competition. For the new series, the broadcaster opted to rip up the rulebook and abandon its tried and tested formula with a new lineup of presenters, unexpected celebrity contestants, and a revamp to the partnering process.

The new hosting trio replaced long-serving presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Some viewers took umbrage with the change, asking why three hosts were needed.

While Willis was lauded by viewers, many fans expressed that they would rather see Radebe back on the dancefloor as a professional dancer, and requested no more of third host Widdicombe.

Viewers posted their frustration on social media site X. One fan wrote: "I can’t understand why we need 3 presenters???"

Another posted: "3 hosts are different but I love emma willis so happy she’s part of this. Why does it need 3 presenters?.. It just doesn't work."

A third viewer commented: "Is it way too early to say I’m not sold on these hosts and I want Tess and Claud back? #strictly."

Widdicombe addresses debut on podcast

Widdicombe spoke out about his debut after critics widely panned the first episode of the series. The comedian discussed Saturday's show with co-host Rob Beckett on Tuesday's episode of their Parenting Hell podcast, which was recorded the previous day.

Widdicombe and Beckett skirted around the negative reviews and ignored the criticism, with Widdicombe thanking fans for their support while failing to acknowledge his naysayers.

Widdicombe said on the podcast: "Thanks to everyone for being so kind. Did I enjoy doing it? I loved it. Emma and JoJo a joy, it’s so joyful. I was just having a good time."

Widdicombe revealed he hosted a watch party at home with 20 friends to view the recorded show. However, his internet connection faltered during the broadcast so he could not hear a thing.

Widdicombe said: "We had loads of people round at home to watch the recorded show. I couldn’t hear a thing!"

He also noted the stark contrast between performing stand-up comedy, where he is the focus of attention, and hosting a major television production.

Widdicombe said: "You don’t want to make too big a thing about it because it’s not about you... Strangely, I’m not a huge part of this. This is a show we are a bit of."

Rob Beckett defends co-host online

Beckett publicly defended Widdicombe after the broadcast, posting a message of support on Instagram. Beckett wrote that he watched the show at home with his wife Lou and their daughters.

Beckett posted: "I sat and watched Strictly last night with Lou and the girls last night... We absolutely loved it. Josh, Emma and JoJo brought so much joy and energy to the show. The biggest compliment I can give them is it just felt like a normal episode of Strictly. So relaxed and confident. I can't wait for the rest of the series... Feels like the start of something really special. I would obviously love to see more of Josh dancing. One of my new non negotiables is watching him dance... My favourite unexpected part of the show was when we all got to see Josh's massive Sunspel pants when he got lifted up. Roll on next week."

Beckett also jumped to Widdicombe's defense when an Instagram follower named Sally criticised the broadcast. Sally wrote: "Oh dear, I don’t mean to be negative but I found the whole thing a bit too OTT... It was if everyone had been paid to smile, smile, smile and laugh and pretend to dance where they stood! All a bit too false for me. ‘We’re all SO excited’ …… !!! I hope it improves when we get to the actual dancing."

Beckett replied by referencing the film Marley and Me, writing: "Sally. It's strictly. It's all OTT. Have you tried the film Marley and Me. Might be more your scene."