Motsi Mabuse appeared to brush aside rumours of tension with Strictly Come Dancing host Josh Widdicombe during Saturday’s show, jokingly describing him as her “FRIEND” after another interruption.
The exchange came after Josh joked that he and co-host Emma Willis were “dancers” while addressing the judge following Cach Mercer’s routine. Motsi replied: “Yes Josh, my FRIEND!”
Josh laughed loudly at the pointed remark, as did members of the audience, while viewers quickly picked up on the moment on social media.
One fan wrote: “‘Yes Josh, my FRIEND’ lmao!! Motsi saw the discourse online last week about her not getting along with Josh.” Another remained unconvinced, posting: “Motsi can’t stand Josh.”
The speculation began during the second week of the series, when viewers suggested Motsi had grown tired of the comedian interrupting her with jokes.
There had already been a teasing exchange during the launch show. As Motsi attempted to give feedback after Craig Revel Horwood’s comments, Josh jokingly shouted “Shirley!”, appearing to suggest they should move on to fellow judge Shirley Ballas.
Motsi responded: “Well are we going to be friends or enemies, you choose now!” The comment prompted laughter from Josh and the audience, but also fuelled suggestions that there was friction between the pair.
Motsi has since defended the presenting team and the programme’s new format, saying: “It already feels like we’re finding our rhythm.”
Strictly Come Dancing viewers warm to Johannes Radebe
The latest episode also appeared to mark a change in opinion about Strictly’s presenting line-up, with viewers praising Johannes Radebe as he settled into his role alongside Emma and Josh.
The former professional dancer, 39, and his co-hosts had faced criticism since the first live show, when some fans complained about the presenting format and described Josh as a “spare part”. Viewers had also previously struggled to hear Johannes as he spoke while couples climbed the stairs to the Clauditorium amid audience applause.
By the third week, however, fans said the trio appeared more comfortable, with particular praise for Johannes’ energy and knowledge of dance.
Viewers posted that “Johannes is getting better every week” and that “Josh definitely” seemed more settled. Another wrote: “Jojo is settling in better and better each week. More at ease and relaxed.”
One fan praised the decision to place Johannes in the Clauditorium, calling it “inspired thinking” and saying his personality helped put contestants at ease while his dance background allowed him to discuss choreography and technique.
Emma Willis was also praised for being “so natural with the contestants”, while viewers said the presenters were beginning to relax into the new arrangement.
On the dancefloor, Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington topped the week-three leaderboard with 33 points after their salsa to “Always There / Ain’t Nobody”. Motsi said the performance had “brought the D.I.S.C.O” and called it the singer’s highlight.
Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita finished joint second with 31 points after their Argentine tango, while Cach Mercer and Maddie Ingoldsby also scored 31 for their Couple’s Choice routine.
Shaun Wright-Phillips and Alexis Warr were at the bottom of the leaderboard on 15 points after their quickstep, with the judges criticising their hold, posture and lack of quickstep movement.
Elsewhere, Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola scored 26 for their samba, Will Best and Dianne Buswell received 25 for their waltz, and Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu scored 28 for their Viennese waltz.
The results show will feature two teams of Strictly professionals competing in a ballroom-versus-Latin group dance, led by Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas. Craig Revel Horwood will referee, assisted by Neil Jones.
