BBC addresses ‘plans to change Strictly Come Dancing hosts’ after just one series

The BBC have addressed reports that they could be changing the show’s host line-up after just one series.

Along with its star-studded new line-up of celebrities, the BBC dance series returned to screens last month with a new presenting team made up of Josh Widdicombe, broadcaster Emma Willis and former Strictly professional Johannes Radebe.

But comedian Josh has faced the brunt of backlash from viewers, who have cruelly accused him of appearing ‘out of his depth’.

The show has now addressed anonymous sources who have said that bosses have already concluded that the new trio will ‘have to change’ for next year’s series after becoming ‘the butt of the joke’.

A source speculated to The Daily Mail: ‘When Emma, Josh and Johannes entered that room, they were seen to be the dream. Those at the BBC who didn’t see them were shocked and didn’t believe it could work.

‘That view stands, it doesn’t work. Not only have many of the traditional viewers stopped watching, the show has become the butt of jokes, a laughing stock.

‘It’s like those choosing were trying to be kooky and cool, and they saw something that might appeal to young people.

‘It should be slicker, in the view of many at the top of the BBC, so there are changes afoot. There were so many brilliant presenters to choose from – Zoe Ball and Rylan Clark, for example – but they went for this lot.’

The publication adds that Emma’s position as host could remain, while Josh’s ‘could be in doubt’.

The insider said: ‘It isn’t working. Strictly isn’t really for him, he probably knows that.’ 

Metro understands that Strictly Come Dancing staff aren’t aware of any changes to the show’s line-up.

A BBC spokesperson told Metro: ‘This is pure and utter speculation.’

One year ago, former hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced they were leaving the BBC dance programme. In a joint statement shared on Instagram, the co-hosts, who had fronted the series together since 2014, said they would be leave after the series came to a close.

Auditions for new hosts to take the reigns from the presenters began shortly after, with the likes of Rylan Clark, Clara Amfo, and Sara Cox undergoing gruelling screen tests before the final selection was made.

Zoe Ball confirmed she auditioned for the show and later experienced ‘grief’ after being rejected.

Discussing the audition on an episode of her Dig It podcast, the radio star said: ‘I didn’t get it, but it’s OK.

She told her co-host Jo Whiley: ‘I have worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection over the last couple of days.’

Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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