Sara Cox shares verdict on new Strictly hosts following backlash after auditioning for role
The new Strictly hosts have been under ongoing scrutinySara Cox has backed Strictly Come Dancing’s new presenting trio, calling the shake-up exciting as criticism continues.
Speaking to Heat magazine, she praised Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe as a strong team.
Previously, the radio presenter had revealed she was in the running for the role but didn’t end up getting it.
Since the 2026 launch, the new Strictly hosting line-up has been under scrutiny during its opening weeks. Josh, in particular, drew criticism after apparent missed cues during Saturday’s live show.
Many were also not pleased with Emma being ‘sidelined’ after Josh took a larger on-floor role.
Sara Cox praises Strictly host Emma Willis’s live-TV experience
Sara told Heat: “I think it is really exciting and I love all three of them. Emma especially has done loads of live TV. That really is her happy place and she’s brilliant at it.”
Her verdict placed particular weight on Emma’s experience in live broadcasting. She also said the presenters would look after each other.
Asked whether she had offered advice, Sara put the pressure into perspective.
She said: “If you go to work and you’re a brain surgeon, it’s life or death. If you go to work and it’s on the radio or on telly, it’s just entertainment. Hopefully, you know no-one’s going to die. They’re a really good team and they’re going to look after each other.”
Strictly host Josh Widdicombe missed cues repeatedly
Saturday’s programme showed how quickly that pressure can become visible.
After chatting with contestant Cach Mercer backstage, Johannes returned the programme to Josh and Emma. He then asked who was dancing next.
The broadcast cut to Josh standing silently on stage. He appeared to realise it was his cue moments later.
A similar handover appeared to falter later in the broadcast.
“Josh has missed his cue at least twice now,” one viewer observed.
“Why does Josh keep missing his cue?” another shared.
Sara also discussed her own nerves after landing her Radio 2 role. She joked that adding the Strictly job would have been overwhelming.
Even so, she said she still had to try presenting the programme for a morning. She likened the experience to cosplay and described it as great fun.
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