Comic looked out of place... but thrilled to be there, critics note

Josh Widdicombe got mixed reviews for his first show co-hosting Strictly Come Dancing last night. 

At the start of the BBC ratings juggernaut, the comic said: ‘It’s a little bit overwhelming to be here, but we are so delighted.’

He and dance pro Johannes Radebe were seen as surprise choices to join experienced host Emma Willis in replacing Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, and many critics noted that the comic seemed out of place, but excited to be there. Whether that was endearing or off-putting depended on the journalist.

The Times said: ‘Widdicombe is the comedian who may have laughingly allowed Richard Osman’s recent suggestion he looks like a "competition winner" alongside the other two, but he warmed up over the course of the show, seeming most at home interviewing on Claudia’s old sofa.’

And The Guardian declared: ‘The new presenters… look not a little terrified, but the vibe they’re going for is can’t-quite-believe-we-got-the-gig humility combined with superfan credentials, which is absolutely the right note.

’In all the shots of them watching the action – the pro dancers’ routine, the return of last year’s winner, former footballer Karen Carney – they look so thrilled it’s endearing.’

Reviewer Emine Saner later added of Widdicombe specifically that he ‘is best when he’s given the space to gently rib the contestants’.

The Telegraph was markedly less keen, commenting: ‘Can someone come and collect little Josh from the Strictly studio, please? The poor thing got left behind after the Year 7 school trip and accidentally found himself on Saturday night TV.

‘What is Widdicombe doing here? He is out of place alongside this glam duo. He looked like a schoolboy, uncomfortable in the opening dance sequence and terrified thereafter. 

‘Presumably, as a comedian he was hired to be funny, but he didn’t come out with any jokes. Perhaps he’ll come into his own when the contest gets under way and he has to defend the dancers from Craig Revel Horwood’s critiques.

And in The Mail on Sunday, Jan Moir wrote: ‘Josh Widdicombe seemed absolutely thrilled to be there – and it was nice that someone was…. Perhaps it is too soon to judge, but the three-presenter format seems awkward and forced.’

Last night’s show was pre-recorded. Strictly returns next Saturday with its first live edition.

Published: 20 Sep 2026