Josh Widdicombe missed his cue twice during the first live show of the new Strictly Come Dancing series, prompting viewers to question the BBC programme’s new presenting line-up.
The comedian was presenting from the dance floor alongside Emma Willis, while Johannes Radebe took on the role of interviewing contestants in the auditorium. The trio have replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who left the show at the end of the 2025 series.
One awkward moment came after Johannes had spoken to Love Island star Cach Mercer following his quickstep. He then asked Emma and Josh: “Who’s dancing now?”
When the programme cut back to the presenters to introduce the next performance, Josh stood silently for several seconds before appearing to realise that he was expected to speak. Emma looked across towards him before he began the link.
A similar problem occurred later in the show. Viewers quickly commented on the apparent timing issues on X, with one writing: “Josh has missed his cue at least twice now #Strictly.”
Others posted: “Why does Josh keep missing his cue? #Strictly,” and: “Josh missing his cue and just standing there like #Strictly.”
The new arrangement had already received a mixed response, with some viewers describing Josh as a “spare part” beside the more experienced Emma. Others argued that the three-presenter format was the issue, rather than Josh himself.
One viewer said Josh should have been placed in the auditorium with the contestants to provide comic relief, while Emma presented alone on the dance floor. Another wrote that “three hosts are too much” and praised Emma as “a natural”.
Josh did win some support earlier in the programme after joking about the show’s new musical-chairs-style format. As Emma, Johannes, Craig Revel Horwood and Josh appeared together on the dance floor, he cried: “Change partners”, leaving the audience and viewers amused.
He also became part of a playful exchange with judge Motsi Mabuse during feedback for Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey and professional partner Julian Caillon.
After Craig delivered his criticism, Motsi said she agreed with him “for once”. Craig replied: “Great – we can move on to Shirley then!”
When Motsi laughed and said, “Well I have to do my job too!”, Josh jokingly called out: “Shirley!” as though attempting to skip her comments.
Motsi responded: “Well are we going to be friends or enemies, you choose now!” The exchange was met with laughter from Josh and the audience.
Emma had earlier joked that she was feeling “nervous” about the live element of the show before introducing the judges and contestants.
The first show ended with sports YouTuber John Nellis and Katya Jones at the top of the leaderboard on 31 points, followed by Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington on 29 and EastEnders actress Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola on 27.
There will be no elimination this week. Scores from the opening show will be combined with those from next week before the first contestant leaves the competition on the following Sunday.
One viewer summed up the reaction to Josh’s presenting debut by writing: “Josh feared for his P45 in Week 1. Motsi ate him up.”
