Strictly host Josh Widdicombe reveals his 'fears' ahead of first live show following viewer backlash
There was a mixed reaction to the new hosting trio among viewersJosh Widdicombe has admitted Strictly Come Dancing’s first live show feels “terrifying”, but he hopes that fear lasts.
The comedian now faces live television’s unpredictability alongside fellow hosts Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe.
His Strictly hosting debut came in a pre-recorded launch show last weekend, before the competition moved into its live phase.
The new hosting trio sparked a mixed reaction, with some criticising Josh’s approach to the show.
However, many viewers loved the change.
Josh Widdicombe welcomes Strictly Come Dancing’s live risk
Speaking before the broadcast on September 26, Josh used humour to acknowledge how much could unravel during a live programme.
As reported by Digital Spy, Josh said: “What could possibly go wrong? Loads of things, but let’s not focus on them.”
He also expects the evening to combine enjoyment with the surreal experience of leading the BBC dance competition.
“I think it’s going to be really, really fun,” Josh said.
Yet the presenter does not see anxiety as something that must disappear during future live episodes. He added: “Will it ever stop being terrifying? I hope not, because hosting something like this should be the best kind of terrifying.”
That attitude frames nerves as part of the job’s excitement, rather than a flaw the host must eliminate.
The recorded launch offered some preparation, but it could not recreate the immediate pressure facing the new team.
Strictly trio relies on preparation under pressure
Johannes Radebe is focusing on preparation as the presenters move from a recorded introduction into a live competition.
He plans to trust the team and himself because the format leaves nowhere to hide.
For Johannes, live television demands full attention and offers only one opportunity to get each moment right. He also values sharing those moments with the audience while they happen.
Emma Willis is taking a different route towards the same sense of control. She was recently told nerves and excitement can feel identical, depending on how someone approaches the emotion.
Emma believes some nervousness keeps a presenter alert and shows they care about the programme. She is pairing that feeling with excitement after missing the challenge of presenting live television.
When Strictly Come Dancing’s first live show airs
Strictly Come Dancing’s hosting change gives the live transition added weight for long-standing viewers.
Josh, Emma and Johannes succeeded Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who left the series last year.
The former presenting pair had worked together on the programme for more than a decade.
The new trio’s first recorded episode drew broad approval from viewers.
The 2026 series began with its pre-recorded launch on September 19. The first live show follows on September 26, putting the presenters into a real-time broadcast.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday September 26 at 6.15pm
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.
