Josh Widdicombe Sparks Viewer Concern with Awkward Cues on 'Strictly' Debut

Comedian Josh Widdicombe experienced a shaky start to his role on the new hosting team for "Strictly Come Dancing," as he notably missed his cues during the show's first live broadcast. The live show saw a new presenting lineup of Widdicombe, Emma Willis, and Johannes Radebe, stepping in after the departure of long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

Widdicombe, 43, was stationed on the dance floor alongside Willis, 50, while Radebe interviewed contestants from the auditorium. Viewers on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) expressed reservations about the new arrangement, with some describing Widdicombe as appearing like a "spare part" next to the more seasoned Willis. The concern intensified when Widdicombe appeared to miss his cue twice during separate segments.

In one instance, after Radebe finished interviewing a contestant, he asked Willis and Widdicombe "Who's dancing now?" The camera then cut to Widdicombe and Willis, but Widdicombe stood silently for several seconds before realizing it was his turn to speak, while Willis glanced at him. This pattern repeated later in the show. Viewers commented on X, with one user writing, "Josh has missed his cue at least twice now #Strictly." Another asked, "Why does Josh keep missing his cue? #Strictly."

Beyond the missed cues, Widdicombe also had a lighthearted exchange with judge Motsi Mabuse, 45. Following feedback for Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey and her professional partner Julian Caillon, Mabuse agreed with Craig Revel Horwood's critique. Revel Horwood then jokingly suggested moving on to Shirley Ballas, to which Widdicombe called out "Shirley!" Mabuse playfully responded to Widdicombe, asking, "Well are we going to be friends or enemies, you choose now!"

The debut of the new hosting trio has been met with mixed reactions since they took over. Some viewers suggested that having three hosts was unnecessary and that Widdicombe might have been better suited to Radebe's role in the "Clauditorium" (referring to the area where Claudia Winkleman previously conducted interviews). Others felt that Willis, a natural presenter, should have been on her own on the main floor.

Despite the initial stumbles, Widdicombe also received some positive remarks for a "change partners" joke, a nod to the show's new format for pairing contestants. The opening night featured performances from all couples, with no eliminations taking place. Scores from this week will be combined with those from the following week to determine the first elimination.

The lineup for this series has also been a topic of discussion, with reports suggesting producers have focused on social media followings rather than mainstream recognition. This strategy, similar to that employed by "Dancing With The Stars" in the U.S., aims to attract younger viewers, though the show's core demographic remains older.

The first week saw John and Katya Jones leading the leaderboard with a Foxtrot, scoring 31 points. Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington followed closely with a Samba, earning 29 points. The show will continue its live broadcasts, with the first elimination scheduled for the following Sunday.