Strictly Host Josh Widdicombe Responds to Debut Criticism Strictly host Josh Widdicombe speaks out after his debut was panned by critics, thanking fans and saying he loved the experience despite mixed reviews. Strictly Come Dancing host Josh Widdicombe has spoken out about his debut on the show after his first episode was widely panned by critics. The 43-year-old comedian discussed Saturday's show on the Parenting Hell podcast with Rob Beckett, recorded on Monday and released on Tuesday. Widdicombe thanked fans for their support but did not address the naysayers directly. New Hosting Lineup Replaces Longtime DuoEmma Willis and Johannes Radebe have joined Widdicombe in replacing longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Ahead of Saturday night's show, the trio fronted the pre-recorded opening of the season over the weekend. While Willis was lauded, many viewers expressed a preference for seeing Radebe back on the dancefloor rather than as a third host.On the podcast, Widdicombe said he loved the experience. He described Willis and Radebe as a joy and said he was just having a good time. He also revealed he hosted a watch party with 20 friends, but his internet faltered so he could not hear a thing.Widdicombe commented on the stark difference between doing stand-up shows, where he is the focus of all attention, and hosting Strictly. He said one should not make too big a thing about it because it is not about you, adding that he is not a huge part of the show and that it is a show they are only a bit of.Viewer Reactions and Hosting CritiqueFollowing the show, viewers took to X/Twitter to criticize the new format. Comments included confusion over why three presenters were needed, with some saying it just does not work and others calling for the return of Tess and Claudia. However, some praised Emma Willis and expressed happiness that she is part of the show.Rob Beckett, ever the good friend, shared a post congratulating Widdicombe after the show on Instagram. He wrote that he watched Strictly with his family and absolutely loved it, praising Josh, Emma and JoJo for bringing joy and energy. He said the biggest compliment he could give them is that it felt like a normal episode of Strictly, relaxed and confident, and he cannot wait for the rest of the series. He added that he would love to see more of Josh dancing and joked that watching him dance is one of his new non-negotiables.Beckett also jumped to Widdicombe's defense when a follower wrote that they found the whole thing a bit too OTT. He replied that it is Strictly and it is all OTT, then suggested the film Marley and Me might be more their scene. He also mentioned his favorite unexpected part of the show was seeing Josh's massive Sunspel pants when he got lifted up, and he looked forward to next week.Ratings and Format Changes Under ScrutinyThe 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 has been a bold gamble. However, the gamble has not paid off, with viewers underwhelmed by the new format and failing to give the show the ratings boost the BBC 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.