Comedian Josh Widdicombe has been unveiled as one of the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing, joining TV presenter Emma Willis and professional dancer Johannes Radebe. However, the announcement was quickly followed by an awkward moment when Josh failed to identify key dance styles during a radio interview.
Awkward Radio Exchange
During a quickfire round on Emma Willis's radio show, the new hosts were asked about their favourite dances. When Emma posed the question, “Favourite Latin dance?” Johannes swiftly answered “Cha Cha,” to which Josh replied “Cha Cha Cha,” prompting polite laughter. Emma then asked, “Favourite Ballroom?” Johannes said “Waltz,” but Josh appeared confused, asking, “Is Argentine Tango a ballroom?”
Johannes, a former professional dancer on the show, clarified, “It’s a speciality dance!” and proceeded to explain the categorisation of dances. Emma jokingly suggested, “Do you think we’ll be able to get away with, if we don’t know the name of a dance, just going, ‘the twirly one’?” Josh responded, “I think our job, we’re not the experts Emma, we’re the man and woman in the street.”
Fan Reactions
The exchange left fans divided. One commented on Instagram, “Josh needs to up his game.” Another said, “I like Josh as a comedian but as a dance presenter? NO.” A third viewer declared they would not watch the new series, stating, “No!! I’ll give it a go but I don’t think I’ll be watching Strictly very much at all now. What a shame.” However, others expressed enthusiasm, with one fan insisting, “Love this trio!”
New Lineup
The new presenters replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who both left the show last year. Emma Willis, 50, expressed her delight: “It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Strictly – I’ve cheered and danced along from my sofa for years – so to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend.” Johannes Radebe, 39, said, “To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined.” Josh Widdicombe, 43, added, “Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly remains my career high point, so I am giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television.”
Despite the initial backlash, the trio are set to bring a fresh dynamic to the beloved dance competition.
