Former Strictly Come Dancing pro brands Josh Widdicombe "a lamb to the slaughter" following hosting debut

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Brendan Cole has branded Josh Widdicombe "a lamb to the slaughter" following hosting debut.

The Last Leg comedian made his presenting debut alongside The Voice UK and Love Is Blind host Emma Willis and professional dancer Johannes Radebe during Saturday night’s (19 September) launch show.

And while fans have given a mixed response to the new hosting trio, Cole - who featured on Strictly from 2004 to 2017 had some harsh words for Widdicombe in a recent interview The Sun.

"I feel a bit sorry for him because he’s a bit like a lamb to the slaughter. He looked like a little lamb at times but not because he wasn’t good at his job," Cole told the publication

"He’s not a dancer, he’s a comedian. He is a good presenter and he’s fun to watch," he added.

"But on a show like Strictly, especially when Johannes Radebe is quite flamboyant and stands there all regally like only he would, and then alongside Emma Willis, the ultimate professional, she’s very strong and has quite a strong presenting style.

"That is probably the reason he’s getting the critique, it’s because it felt a little bit out of place."

Widdicombe, Willis and Radebe were confirmed as the new presenters of the main show back in May 2025, after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they would be stepping down at the end of the year.

Speaking in a statement about her new role upon its announcement, Willis told viewers that she’s a "huge fan" of the series, adding: "To be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can't quite comprehend."

Widdicombe added that he was "giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television".

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Radebe added: "To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined."

The new hosts this year are joined by a brand-new line-up of celebrities, which includes EastEnders' Lacey Turner, Emmerdale’s Lawrence Robb and Love Island’s Dani Dyer.

Also taking to the dance floor are Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Waters, YouTuber John Nellis, Olympian Tabby Stoecker, and many more.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday 26 September 2026. Strictly: Lights Up is available to stream on BBC iPlayer from Sunday 4 October 2026.

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Authors

Molly Moss is a Trends Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest trends across TV, film and more. She has an MA in Newspaper Journalism and has previously written for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Sun Online.