Strictly Come Dancing bosses finally address new presenters after backlash

BBC bosses have finally addressed the new Strictly Come Dancing presenters after the trio of hosts faced backlash over the new series. Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe have come under fire for their presenting styles in the last few weeks, while Emma Willis has been accused of “carrying the show” entirely on her own shoulders. According to fresh reports, Strictly bosses don’t plan to change anything after confirming the trio to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, despite criticism from viewers who want Josh moved upstairs to the Clauditorium and Johannes back as a dancer. Despite initial reports that the trio could swap around as the weeks go on, with JoJo acting as a roving reporter, none of this has materialised yet.

A source told The Mirror: “The fact that there were no changes made between week one and week two is very telling - you can read plenty into that. The producers and the presenters had fun playing around in the run-up, but now these roles are sticking.

"Emma and Josh are a double-act on the ballroom floor on Saturday nights, while Johannes does his own thing with the relieved dancers and their partners upstairs.”

The source told the publication that the public “needs a bit of time to get used to them”, while the presenters “need a bit of space to bed in” as the weeks go on.

The TV insider said: “This formula is here to stay and everyone needs to get used to it,” adding that last week’s show had “more positive reaction” than the launch programme.

According to the source, “grumbles” are expected with a major change like this, but bosses are said to be “confident” about the choices they made after extensive auditions and chemistry testing.

Emma previously told journalists: “We’re working around what feels good and how it's going to work - we’re kind of having a nice play.” She said the three hosts gave the show “more freedom”.

Josh added at the time, before the series started: “I think the great thing about it is it’s not a straight swap. It’s not like, ‘You’re Tess, you’re Claud’. It’s going to give it more movement – it’s a gang show.”

But fans aren’t happy so far, with one posting on Reddit: “I have nothing against Josh, but I don’t think he needs to be there with Emma. I don’t feel he adds value to the show, but he could have been quite good backstage maybe. The scripted jokes between him and Emma are not coming across naturally.”

Somebody else said: “I immediately got Eurovision vibes from the three presenter line-up.”

And a third echoed: “I honestly think they should split all three up. Keep Emma and JoJo where they are but give Josh the next couple intro role.”

The BBC had no comment when approached by Express.co.uk.