Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse hits out at backlash over new hosts as she gives stark warning to viewers
There has been a very mixed reaction to the new hosting trioMotsi Mabuse has spoken out after Strictly Come Dancing’s revamped presenting team faced criticism from viewers.
Writing on Threads, the judge defended the human flaws of live television while warning about increasingly convincing artificial intelligence.
The comments followed mixed reactions to Strictly’s new hosting trio, Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.
Motsi wrote: “While people type away, tearing apart real human beings on television, real emotions!!!!!!!”
She continued: “AI is getting better at replacing them. One day we might not even know the difference.”
She added: “And maybe then we’ll miss the days when television was still beautifully, imperfectly human.”
New Strictly hosts spark mixed reaction among viewers
Motsi has served on Strictly’s judging panel since 2019, alongside Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke.
Emma has generally received a warm response since the new trio took over the BBC One programme.
Meanwhile, Josh and Johannes have encountered a tougher reception during their first two programmes. Some viewers criticised Josh for appearing awkward, speaking over others and missing two cues during Saturday’s live broadcast.
Johannes also faced criticism as he adjusted to live presenting from the auditorium. Emma, by contrast, drew praise from viewers.
Josh and Emma presented from the dancefloor, while Johannes handled contestant interviews from the auditorium.
This was their first live programme together after a pre-recorded launch. Some viewers also questioned whether three presenters were needed.
They replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after the pair departed following the 2025 series.
There was also a playful exchange between Motsi and Josh during feedback for Dame Sarah Storey on Saturday’s live show.
After Craig joked that judging could move along, Josh pretended to skip Motsi’s comments. Motsi jokingly asked whether they would be “friends or enemies”, prompting laughter in the studio.
Strictly’s first live show peaks at five million
The BBC said Saturday’s first live programme attracted a peak audience of five million viewers. The programme averaged 4.8 million across two and a half hours, with no public vote or elimination.
It aired opposite England versus Spain in the UEFA Nations League on ITV.
Read more: Strictly Come Dancing 2026’s Lacey Turner suffers first injuries of the series: ‘She’s in pain’
The launch show previously peaked at 5.8 million, while its average audience reached 5.3 million.
Week-one scores will be combined with Movie Week before the first elimination next Sunday (October 4). John Nellis and Katya Jones topped the opening leaderboard with their foxtrot to Ordinary by Alex Warren.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on Saturday, when the couples will tackle Movie Week.
Strictly Come Dancing continues at 6.15pm on BBC One on Saturday October 3, 2026.
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.
