You're making me nervous, Johannes! Emma Willis sums up the feelings of a nation as new Strictly hosts get off to shaky start
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When Josh Widdicombe was spotted silently mouthing his co-host Emma Willis' autocue lines during last week's pre-recorded Strictly Come Dancing, it left some at the BBC terrified of what would happen when he presented last night's first live episode.
The last thing they wanted was to suffer unwanted scrutiny of his appointment as a replacement for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on the popular dance show – especially as he hasn't presented a huge live show like it before.
The Mail on Sunday can reveal Widdicombe's wordless reading of his co-presenter's prompts sparked fresh fears among some at the BBC, who were deeply worried about him fluffing his lines.
And he wasn't the only one making them nervous.
There were also worries about his other co-host, former Strictly professional Johannes Radebe, who has not anchored a live programme before and faced criticism after his debut.
Last night's broadcast suggested those fears were not unfounded.
At the start of the show, Radebe said awkwardly: 'We are live which means anything can happen on this ballroom floor.' Ms Willis replied in a high-pitched voice: 'You're making me nervous.'
Radebe took his position upstairs in what was called the Claud-itorium, where he interviewed couples after they danced.
Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe during the live show for the BBC1 dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing
John Nellis & Katya Jones dancing during the live show on Saturday night
But as each couple ran up the stairs to join him, he was heard – but not seen – reading out the terms and conditions, stating that there would be no vote, despite being off camera.
On social media, fans echoed one viewer who wrote: 'Why isn't the director having a word with Jojo not to start talking while contestants are only half way up the stairs?'
Another said: 'I love Jojo but he needs to stop talking before the couples come up the stairs – it's very awkward.'
Meanwhile, Widdicombe's banter-style presenting didn't seem to go down well with judge Motsi Mabuse.
As she was discussing Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey's quickstep, he tried to cut her off by going straight to fellow judge Shirley Ballas.
But Ms Mabuse jumped in, saying: 'Are we going to be friends or enemies? You choose now!'
EastEnders actress Lacey Turner won the first standing ovation of the series with her cha cha cha, which earned her 27 points from the judges.
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