Strictly host Josh Widdicombe receives playful 'warning' from Motsi Mabuse during first live show
Viewers found the moment amusingMotsi Mabuse put new Strictly Come Dancing host Josh Widdicombe on notice after he tried to move the judging along. Her playful “friends or enemies” challenge quickly became a talking point among viewers watching the 2026 live-show opener.
The new Strictly presenting trio had already prompted divided reactions when they appeared together during the launch show. This latest exchange gave viewers a clearer taste of Josh’s comic style under live pressure.
Why Motsi Mabuse challenged Josh Widdicombe on Strictly
Craig Revel Horwood gave his verdict on Dame Sarah Storey and Julian Caillon’s performance before Motsi agreed. But as Motsi was about to give her feedback, Josh then joked it was time to hear from head judge Shirley Ballas, effectively moving the programme onwards.
Rather than let the interruption pass, Motsi turned towards the presenter with a mock ultimatum. She asked: “Are we going to be friends or enemies? You choose now!”
The line landed as a teasing warning and tested Josh’s rhythm during his first live Strictly broadcast. It briefly shifted attention from the critique towards the chemistry between a judge and Strictly’s new host.
Josh joined Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe as the programme’s new hosts earlier this year. At the time, he said the appointment left him giddy, honoured and slightly overawed.
Josh cited his penguin-costumed Charleston from the 2024 Christmas special as his career high point. His move to live hosting now brings a very different sort of Strictly challenge.
Strictly Come Dancing fans embrace the banter
Viewers responded by joking about who had won the brief encounter. One viewer wrote: “Motsi and Shirley absolutely destroyed Josh there.”
Others enjoyed the broader dynamic rather than choosing a side.
Another wrote: “Love the banter between Josh, Craig and Motsi.”
Someone else joked: “Josh feared for his P45 in Week 1. Motsi ate him up.”
When Strictly Come Dancing continues
The episode also marked Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe’s first live show alongside Josh. Johannes became slightly emotional after the celebrities and professional dancers were welcomed onto the floor.
Josh and Emma playfully consoled him after he told the audience how much he had missed them. That added a warmer moment to a night already testing the presenters’ live chemistry.
Read more: This Morning star Sian Welby reveals her ‘tears’ over intense process for Strictly hosting job
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday October 3 at 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.
