Josh Widdicombe's odds of being axed from Strictly revealed as bosses hold 'crisis talks'

And as ratings remain at around 5 million - considerably less than the 10 million last year - producers have reportedly been scrambling to find a solution to the show’s dip in popularity.

Bookies have predicted Josh Widdicombe’s future at Strictly for next year

BBC

Amid the turmoil, bookmaker William Hill has given Widdicombe a 1/4 (equivalent to 80 per cent) chance of being excluded from next year’s presenting line-up. He is at 11/4 to continue into 2027.

Willis and Radebe have higher chances of being retained next year – the duo are 1/10 and 2/9 respectively to keep their roles for the 2027 series.

“It’s fair to say there’s been a mixed reaction to Strictly’s new presenting line-up, and the early odds suggest Josh Widdecombe could be the one facing the chop from the BBC ahead of next year’s series,” spokesperson Lee Phelps said.

“While it’s still early days for the new trio, the market suggests [Widdicombe’s] position could be the least secure of the three. There’s still a full series to play out, though, so the public reaction could yet change the picture.”

Strictly bosses have reportedly been holding “crisis talks” over ratings dipping below figures for The Great British Bake Off and ITV dramas.

Executives are “bereft” over how the cherished “Premier League product” is now operating at a “League One standard,” a source told the Mail On Sunday.

“Nobody wants to give up on Strictly. It’s a brilliant show, and everyone inside the BBC believes that. It needs the jazz and glamour put back into it, and they are determined to do that.

“There have been conversations, but there is to be a proper meeting where ideas will be put forward on how to resurrect it for the viewers. Realistically, it’s too late for this series, but there is no way that it can’t be overhauled for next year.”

Widdicombe with his co-hosts Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe on Sunday night

PA

Other reports suggested new presenters are being considered to replace Widdicombe and Radebe. A BBC spokesperson denied this, stating: “This is pure and utter speculation.”

“I think Emma is amazing and I would like her to talk more. I would like her to take over more. The other two, obviously, I think they're still finding their feet,” she told Mecca Bingo.

“It was a bit messy at times, with the links with Johannes Radebe for example. I think they just need to clean it all up and make it a bit cleaner for next time.”

Discussing the backlash surrounding Widdicombe, she added: “I think maybe Josh Widdicombe is really nervous still, so I think we're not getting that comedy as we would like to. I think he needs to maybe warm up a bit more and maybe he's just really nervous.”

“The public needs a bit of time to get used to them and they need a bit of space to bed in. This will happen in the coming weeks,” a source told The Mirror.

“Already there was a much more positive reaction this weekend than after the first live show. We’re British and we’re not very good at change - but this formula is here to stay so everyone needs to get used to it.”