Former Strictly Come Dancing judges Dame Arlene Philips and Dame Darcey Bussell have been sharing their (apparently slightly conflicted) thoughts on the show’s new hosts.
The current series of Strictly is the first to feature Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe at the helm, taking over from long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman – and it’s fair to say that the trio debuted to mixed responses.
Josh and Johannes in particular seem to have taken some flak from viewers and critics for their first couple of shows, even if Emma has largely been praised.
During a recent interview with Radio Times, Dame Darcey – who served as a Strictly judge for seven seasons between 2012 and 2018 – weighed in on the new additions.
Though she admitted she hadn’t “fully” watched all of the new season yet, she did shared that she “watch[es] clips of it all the time” even if she’s most “only interested in the dance”.
As for Josh, Emma, and Johannes, her verdict was optimistic.
“I think the change in presenting, it’s always like a teething problem isn’t it? It’s a natural part of the process,” she reflected. “You have to teeth in, and everybody should just let go a bit and relax. Give them a chance.”
Meanwhile, Dame Arlene, who was one of the show’s original judges, gave her “desperately honest” verdict on the new crew.
“I love the new hosts… I’m still not sure because… I don’t know, there’s something that feels like it holds the boys back,” she said.
Dame Arlene continued: “Emma is a delight. She not only just looks gorgeous, but everything she does is impeccable. And I think that’s what the boys need to be – their version of Emma.
“Outspoken… and there’s something about when you chat with a smile, something about when you actually say something with… warmth. That’s all it needs, and it’ll be fabulous.”
Meanwhile, following the backlash, current judges Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse have defended the new faces.
Speaking to The Sun, Craig – the only member of the judging panel who’s been on the show since day one – said: “As a new team, as we’re all aware, it’s like having a new family member.
“You know… you’re just meeting, and the first Christmas together with the daughter’s new husband could be awkward.”
He added that the team is doing “a really, really good job” so far as he could see “from this level they’ll just fly”.
Craig went on to say that he “loves” the “brilliant” Emma, who he says “knows exactly what she’s doing. She’s very natural”.
As for comedian Josh, Craig stated he’s really funny when he’s “off the cuff”.
“I know that he will come into his own. He’s absolutely hilarious when he gets going,” Craig opined, ending by saying that Johannes “adds something special because he has been through the whole process”.
On Threads, dancer and judge Motsi responded to the backlash surrounding her new co-stars early on in the series.
She took to the media site to write: “While people type away, tearing apart real human beings on television, real emotions!!!!!”
Motsi added: “AI is getting better at replacing them [presumably TV hosts]. One day we might not even know the difference. And maybe then we’ll miss the days when television was still beautifully, imperfectly human.”
Strictly will waltz back onto our screens on Saturday night at 6.30pm.
During the live show, Delta Goodrem is set to return to the competition following a week off due to injury – after Dame Sarah Storey and partner Julian Caillon’s exit, 12 couples are left to battle it out on the dance floor.
