Strictly's Motsi Mabuse hits back at tension rumours with new host Josh Widdicombe as she makes cheeky remark - as fans warm to Johannes Radebe

Strictly Come Dancing's Motsi Mabuse seemingly hit back at rumours of tensions between herself and Josh Widdicombe on Saturday as she made a cheeky remark.

During Week two viewers started to notice a simmering 'tension' between Motsi and Josh, as they suggested the judge had 'had enough of the comedian interrupting her with his jokes'. 

However, as week three kicked off, Motsi attempted to dispel the speculation as she insisted that Josh was her 'friend'.

Following Cach Mercer's routine, Josh quipped that he and Emma Willis were 'dancers' and as he directed his joke towards Motsi, she responded by remarking: 'Yes Josh, my FRIEND!'

Her not-so-subtle comment saw Josh roar with laughter as the rest of the audience giggled along, causing fans to pick up on the moment on X.

While one fan stated: 'Yes Josh, my FRIEND' lmao!! Motsi saw the discourse online last week about her not getting along with Josh', another wasn't convinced that the two were indeed pals as they noted: 'Motsi can't stand Josh.'

It comes after the launch show saw Josh on the receiving end of a very sassy comment from Motsi as she was trying to give her expert feedback to the couples.

After Craig Revel Horwood gave his rather cutting feedback, Motsi turned to him to say that she actually agreed with what he was saying for once, which led to Craig quipping: 'Great - we can move on to Shirley [Ballas] then!'

Motsi burst out laughing before then replying: 'Well I have to do my job too!'

Josh then jokingly shouted: 'Shirley!' as if to skip over Motsi's feedback like Craig had suggested.

Motsi then cheekily remarked to Josh: 'Well are we going to be friends or enemies, you choose now!' as the audience and Josh laughed it off. 

The comment sparked speculation of tensions between the pair, with Motsi recently defending the hosts and the ongoing critique of the show, insisting 'it already feels like we're finding our rhythm. 

Meanwhile, the latest installment of Strictly saw fans note that Johannes Radebe is really 'settling' into his role as they finally begin to warm to the hosting trio.

The former show professional dancer, as well as his co-hosts Emma Willis and Josh have come under fire since the first live show's presenting format was panned by fans – with Josh branded a 'spare part'.

While viewers noted that the South African dancer, 39, began talking when the couples were making their way up the stairs to the 'Clauditorium' amid the audience applause, meaning fans were unable to hear what was being said. 

And while last week saw many complain that the format was not switched up, week three finally saw fans begin to thaw to the trio, particularly Johannes. 

Taking to X, fans shared their thoughts, they penned: 'Johannes is getting better every week.'

'Emma Willis is fab..so natural with the contestants..loving her on #strictly johannes and Josh definitely more settled as well'

'Jojo is settling in better and better each week. More at ease and relaxed.'

'Emma looking stunning this evening. All the presenters relaxing into it especially Jojo.' 

'Johannes up in the Clauditorium (Jojotorium?) is inspired thinking. His personality and liveliness puts people at ease but he also has the dance knowledge to be able to talk about choreography and technicalities. I also just love Jojo.' 

Week three's show saw EastEnders actress Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola kick off the proceedings with their Samba to Bamboléo by Gipsy Kings. 

While Anton hailed it an 'absolutely marvellous' Samba, he added she needed to work on her 'feet and stability', with Craig stating the soap star 'needed more energy' on her upper body. 

Lacey and Vito's scoring got off to a solid start, with a respectable 26 points. 

Will Best and Dianne Buswell did the Waltz to With You I’m Born Again by Billy Preston and Syreeta.

Giving his usual cutting remark, Craig said it was 'a little bit square and needed more drive', while Shirley praised Will's 'really nice footwork', though she warned he needed to work on his 'pivoting'.

Will and Dianne bagged a decent 25 points, their highest mark so far.  

Taking to the floor next, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Alexis Warr danced the Quickstep to I’m a Believer by The Monkees.

However, while the former footballer gave it his all on the dancefloor, he was panned by the judges who were sadly not impressed with his efforts. 

Shirley said of their routine: 'not connected in hold, too many shuffles and not enough quickstep', while Craig said the posture wasn't great and that their was 'heavy gapping'.

And while last week's score was a 10-point improvement from week one, this week Shaun scored a disappointing 15 points - landing him at the bottom of the leaderboard. 

Cach Mercer and Maddie Ingoldsby then danced their Couple’s Choice to Beware.. The South London Lover Boy. by RAYE. 

The energetic routine was a visual feast, however, the judges were divided in their feedback, with Craig saying it was 'too stop-and-start' and Motsi noting it 'needs more polish', while Anton 'liked it a lot'. 

Despite the mixed comments, Cach and Maddie bagged their highest score yet with an impressive 31 points. 

Week two of Strictly saw the celebrities take on the Movie Week theme, with Australian singer Delta Goodrem and her partner Kai Widdrington topping the leaderboard last week with their combined score of 59 points.

For Sunday's results show, the group dance will see two teams of Strictly Professionals go head-to-head in the ultimate dance off: Ballroom Vs Latin. 

It will be led by Anton Du Beke for Team Ballroom against Shirley Ballas a.k.a The Queen of Latin. 

Craig Revel Horwood will be the referee accompanied by his assistant Neil Jones.

Strictly Come Dancing results will air on Sunday at 7:10pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.