Strictly Come Dancing legend Arlene Phillips calls new hosts 'interesting choice'
Three presenters will host the BBC show this autumnArlene Phillips has given a cautious verdict on Strictly Come Dancing’s major presenting shake-up, and she did not exactly sound sold just yet.
The former judge was asked about Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, the new Strictly Come Dancing presenters, on Good Morning Britain on Friday.
The trio are taking over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after they stepped down at the end of last year’s series.
Arlene Phillips on new Strictly Come Dancing hosts
Arlene, who judged Strictly from 2004 until 2008, described the line-up as an “interesting choice” and questioned how the three-host format will actually work on screen.
She said: “I think they’re an interesting choice. I wonder sometimes about three and I want to know what the magic is about three because sometimes people say three’s a crowd.
“Who is going to do what? I have no idea.”
Arlene also made it clear that Johannes’ move away from the dance floor is something she is still trying to picture.
“All I want to do with Johannes is watch him dance. I mean just incredible. But I have no idea,” she said.
She added that she had not asked anyone at Strictly how the new set-up will operate, saying they “wouldn’t probably tell” her anyway. Still, she said she wants to know how it will all work out, saying she was “curious”.
Arlene shares caution over new Strictly pros
Arlene also gave her view on the latest professional dancers joining the show.
Last week, Strictly announced five new pros: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita.
Asked by Kate Garraway for her reaction, Arlene sounded cautious about the importance being placed on social media profile.
“The new pros, as long as they can dance. I mean, most of them are sort of influencers and they talk an awful lot. As long as those pros can dance,” she said.
Josh Widdicombe jokes about Strictly role
Meanwhile, Josh Widdicombe has already been laughing about his own unlikely place in the new hosting team.
Speaking on the Parenting Hell podcast with Rob Beckett, Josh described himself as “the runt of the litter” alongside Emma and Johannes.
“I’m a weird-looking little guy. I realised I’ve been cast with two of the most striking looking people on television,” he joked.
He also pointed out the height difference with Johannes. He said: “Jojo is 6’2″, Emma’s the same height as me but she’ll be wearing heels…”
So while Josh appears excited, Arlene’s comments show the new Strictly era is still facing big questions before the trio take to the ballroom.
