Josh Widdicombe

Josh Widdicombe took part in his first live show of Strictly Come Dancing last weekend, but the new hosts have since faced a wave of backlash. The presenting shake up seemed to leave viewers torn

A new host of Strictly Come Dancing is said to have “broken their silence” after fans of the show claimed the new format “doesn’t work”. Josh Widdicombe, 43, presented his first live show alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe on Saturday night, however viewers have been left torn about the show’s new set up.

Now it appears Josh has broken his silence following the backlash as he posted on his Instagram stories on Monday (September 28) following a lot of conversation about the future of Strictly Come Dancing. It seems his fellow cast members are supporting him, as he shared what could be deemed a very telling post.

It comes after the new hosts previously made a candid confession. Earlier this month, they admitted a “stressful” change had been announced.

More recently, Josh re-shared a post that was initially published by professional dancer Lauren Oakley. It said: “We couldn’t be in safer hands than with these beautiful people.

“Strictly is about family, uplifting others, and creating a safe space for celebrity contestants to be vulnerable and do something so outside of their comfort zone.

“This trio have been so warm and welcoming, and they felt like family from the minute they stepped into the studio, and we love having them with us.

“Professional, funny, kind and fantastic at what they do. I couldn’t feel more lucky to be sharing the screen and our Saturday nights with them.”

The heartfelt post was shared with a picture of Emma, Josh and Johannes and Josh re-posted it alongside three red hearts, clearly thankful for the support. It was a very touching moment.

It comes after Strictly fans were left concerned over the new hosting format, with some claiming it “doesn’t work”. The new hosts took over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, with bosses hoping they’d prove to be a power trio.

However, while fans have seemed impressed with Emma, some remain unsure about her co-hosts. The shake up has left viewers pretty divided.

One said: “Okay, I don’t want to be a hater, but three hosts is just not working. Not at all. “

Another added: “I normally enjoy Strictly, but not this year. The presenters just don’t gel.”

Meanwhile, there are some who think the format just needs to be tweaked a little. A different social media user wrote: “Josh Widdicombe could have easily taken over the Claudia Winkleman role.”

Someone else also replied: “Emma is brilliant. Josh should be upstairs.”

One more also chimed in with: “But surely it’s about the dancing? That’s great, give these presenters a chance for heaven’s sake.”

EXCLUSIVE: Strictly Come Dancing legends Vincent Simone and Brendan Cole have had their say on the divisive new presenting trio of Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe.

Strictly legend Vincent Simone has branded one new host of the hit dance show ‘lost and nervous’ after their debut showing on Saturday. He didn’t hold back as he laid bare his thoughts – but he did hold special praise for another, admitting they pleasantly surprised him.

All eyes were on the new trio of presenters on Saturday night prime time as Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe took centre stage after the exit of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. But Josh felt the wrath of Vincent, who labelled him a “lost lamb” before saying he hopes it’s just first show nerves.

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Vincent went on: “Emma, professional as always. But I’m sure she was probably as nervous as everybody else. There’s a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders to hold a show together which is essentially new but old.”

And he admitted Johannes’ style shocked him. “Johannes surprised me in a good way,” he said. “I thought he was going to be all flamboyant, running around, talking about himself.

“I don’t know the guy, I’ve met him a couple of times but I thought he seemed really professional and seemed like he was doing a really good job as a host. I heard he was just going to be roaming around, talking to the couples and what have you.

“He would have been as nervous as hell. They all would have been. Given that, I think he did a good job.”

The opinion was matched by Brendan Cole, who also had his say on the new hosts, admitting he would have hoped for a Bruce Forsyth vibe to take the hot seat. He said: “I wanted the old-school class of the likes of Brucey [Bruce Forsyth].

“There aren’t many around that good that you could choose from, but it’s a big world out there. I’m sure they could be found. I want somebody old school. I want somebody triple threat – actor, singer, dancer. Somebody who, when they’re at the helm like Brucey was, absolutely knows showbiz like the back of their hand.”

But despite his disappointment, he held out praise for Johannes too. “I liked Johannes, actually. He did really well for the first show. I didn’t know what his role was going to be, and I think he held himself very, very well.”

Fans also had their say shortly after the launch show on Saturday and were divided in their opinions. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan said: “I know it’s only the first few minutes, but I just cannot gel to there being three hosts #strictly.”

Another defended the line-up, adding: “3 presenters was an interesting choice by producers but Emma, Johannes and Josh really do work together. Natural already.” And it was also backed by no-nonsense judge, Craig Revel-Horwood who branded the new trio “fabulous”.

Vincent and Brendan were talking to the Mirror on behalf of Sky Vegas.

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