Strictly host Josh Widdicombe insists his 'joyful' show debut was 'good' as he hits back at claims the three presenter format change flopped

Strictly host Josh Widdicombe has spoken out about his debut on the show, after his first episode was widely-panned by critics. 

The comedian, 43, spoke to Rob Beckett on their Parenting Hell podcast about Saturday's show, during which they skirted around the criticism and thanked fans for their support yet failed to acknowledge his naysayers. 

Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe have joined Josh in replacing long time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman and ahead of Saturday night's show, they fronted the pre-recorded opening of the season over the weekend. 

While Emma Willis was lauded, many expressed that they'd rather see Johannes Radebe back on the dancefloor, and see no more of third host Josh. 

Josh and Rob ignore the criticism, with Josh saying on Tuesday's episode, which was recorded the previous day: '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.'

He revealed he had hosted a watch party with 20 of his friends, however his internet faltered so he 'could not hear a thing': 'We had loads of people round at home to watch the recorded show. I couldn’t hear a thing!'

Josh also commented on the stark conference between doing stand-up shows, in which he is the focus of all attention, as he added: '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.'

Following the show, viewers penned on X/Twitter: 'I can’t understand why we need 3 presenters???'; '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', 'Is it way too early to say I’m not sold on these hosts and I want Tess and Claud back? #strictly.'

Ever the good friend, Rob shared a post congratulating Josh after the show, writing on Instagram: '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.'

He jumped to Josh's defence when a follower 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'. 

Referencing the heartbreaking movie Marley And Me, Rob replied: 'Sally. It's strictly. It's all OTT. Have you tried the film Marley and Me. Might be more your scene'

The BBC's choice to rip up the rulebook and abandon the show's tried and tested formula with a new lineup of presenters, unexpected celebrity contestants and a revamp to the partnering process.

However, the bold gamble hasn't paid off, with viewers underwhelmed by the new format and failing to give the show the ratings boost the Beeb had hoped for.

The pre-recorded launch show peaked at 5.8 million viewers, according to overnight figures, up slightly on last year’s peak of 5.6 million.

However, not all viewers remained loyal, and accounting for those who ultimately switched off, the episode averaged at 5.3 million viewers, down from 5.4 million in 2025.