Emma Willis shares message to Strictly fans following backlash over new hosting trio
It was the new hosting trio's first live showEmma Willis celebrated her first Strictly Come Dancing live show by kissing husband Matt Willis backstage.
The presenter shared the affectionate corridor clip on Instagram after the broadcast.
It capped an eventful first live show for Strictly’s new presenting team, featuring Emma, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe.
Emma also posted photographs from the evening, giving fans a glimpse behind the scenes.
She captioned the update: “Week one, done. I’ve never had so much fun! What a way to kick things off @bbcstrictly.”
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Emma Willis shares backstage moment with Matt at Strictly
Photos showed Emma in a long white gown with a plunging neckline and asymmetrical ruffled hem. She completed the look with white sandals, gold hoop earrings and a gold bracelet.
Her corridor video began with the couple walking together away from the studio action.
Emma then stopped Matt for a kiss before they continued down the hallway.
Moments later, the pair danced, laughed and joked together in front of the camera. The presenter was also filmed eating a slice of pizza after the programme.
The informal clips contrasted with her formal white gown and captured the couple’s celebratory mood.
Strictly fans praise Emma Willis
Followers quickly filled the Instagram post with supportive messages about Emma’s performance.
One wrote: “I thought you were brilliant @emmawillisofficial and I loved the whole show, including all the presenters, Jojo and Josh.”
Another said: “Absolutely stunning and you all smashed it!!!! Loved watching the 3 of you.”
Separate commenters suggested other familiar faces could join Emma on the programme.
One hoped to see Matt beside her, while another proposed Rylan for an upstairs role.
Feedback on the wider presenting mix was not entirely positive. One follower criticised the new hosting trio, writing: “You need to do it solo, the trio just ain’t working.”
Another agreed, saying: “You are great but not a good mix with the other two, agreed Rylan should have got it.”
A third commented: “I’m still not feeling the love, but it’s a big change. I’ll give it this season to decide if this new approach grows on me. We definitely don’t need 3 people though.”
Strictly Come Dancing’s first live show brings cue trouble
Saturday night’s programme also delivered a less assured moment for Josh. He missed his cue during a link on the first live show.
A body language expert suggested Emma was trying to help her co-host through the stumble. Josh was attempting to handle a role associated with former Strictly presenter Bruce Forsyth.
Emma also received a warning from judge Craig Revel Horwood after using his famous catchphrase.
The exchange added another unpredictable beat to a busy live broadcast.
Lacey Turner and Delta Goodrem were among the celebrities who performed during the episode.
The three presenters were guiding their first live instalment together.
Emma’s Instagram update arrived afterwards, shifting attention from on-air miscues to a relaxed celebration.
Her verdict remained clear: she had enjoyed the experience. For Emma, week one ended with laughter, dancing and a backstage kiss.
Strictly continues on Saturday, October 3 from 6.15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI technology to synthesise source reporting and structured data. It has been reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by our human editorial team before publication.
