Strictly's Josh Widdicombe could be 'saving' the show despite viewer backlash, expert claims

The comedian, who joined Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe as part of the BBC show's new presenting line-up this year, has sparked mixed reactions from fans, with some praising his humour while others questioned whether Strictly needed a second host.

However, body language expert Judi James believes Widdicombe's presence could be helping to generate the attention the long-running dance competition needs.

Speaking to Paddy Power, she argued that the presenter has become a “lightning rod” for discussion, giving viewers plenty to talk about.

"It's possible that, once the chatter about Josh dies down and fans realise he's not going to be budged or elbowed off the show, we will all realise how, in his role as lightning rod for all the headlines and social media chatter, he's actually been the one to watch," James said.

She suggested Widdicombe was creating the kind of "water cooler" moments that might otherwise be missing from this year's series.

The expert noted that last season's biggest talking point centred on the upcoming departure of longstanding hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, whereas attention has now shifted to the newcomers.

James also predicted producers could be leaning into physical comedy segments and games to try and inject some extra fun into the series.

"The investment in comedy looks heavy this year with clunky jokes and probably more games to come," she said.

The comments emerge as Strictly viewers continue their heated online debate over Widdicombe’s presenting style.

As the competition enters its third week, one X user wrote on Saturday: “It's painful to watch Josh Widdicombe on strictly. The show is ruined by Josh & Johannes. It would have been much better with Emma & Rylan to be honest.”

Another wrote: “Josh widdicombe really is dying on his backside. He misses his cue with the dancing, and the joke didn’t hit, he’s clearly reading the autocue and just doesn’t fit in.”

A third added: “Can we vote Josh Widdicombe off Strictly before any of the dancers? Ruining my guilty pleasure this clown. New format is horrendous.”

But some thought the Last Leg host is starting to come into his own on the show.

One X user observed: “I will say this week Josh Widdicombe was better as he didn't look like he was the odd one out with Emma and Johannes.”

Another added: “Josh Widdecombe is absolutely smashing it this week.”

And writing for The Telegraph, TV reviewer Chris Bennion wrote that Widdicombe “has certainly improved” and is “starting to look more at home”, but he criticised the physical comedy on stage and noted: “The excruciating gags have to stop.”

Meanwhile, Widdicombe himself acknowledged that the role has proved more demanding than he expected.

Appearing on Strictly: It Takes Two this week, the comedian reflected on hosting his first results show, which saw celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton and professional partner Amy Dowden become the first couple eliminated from the competition.

"When I took the Strictly job, I didn't realise how difficult elimination was going to be," he said.

"The emotions of it, it's so intense, and you feel terrible."

Widdicombe added that he had enjoyed speaking to successful contestants backstage while admitting he felt sympathy for co-host Willis, who had to oversee the emotional farewells on the main stage.

Despite the scrutiny surrounding his appointment, the 43-year-old said he was "having a lovely time" on the programme.

His performance as a presenter has remained a regular talking point among viewers since the launch of the new series, with social media users split between those who enjoy his self-deprecating style and those who believe Willis could comfortably front the show alone.

As the competition enters its third week, the debate over Widdicombe's role shows little sign of disappearing any time soon.