Motsi Mabuse Teases New 'Strictly' Presenter Josh Widdicombe Amid Fan Scrutiny
Judge Motsi Mabuse delivered a playful jab to newcomer Josh Widdicombe during the first live 'Strictly Come Dancing' show, as viewers debated his role alongside co-presenters.
Motsi Mabuse offered a pointedly witty remark to newcomer Josh Widdicombe during the inaugural live episode of "Strictly Come Dancing" on Saturday. Widdicombe, who is part of the show's new presenting trio alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe, faced public commentary from viewers who deemed him a "spare part."
The presenting team has stepped in for former hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Widdicombe and Willis anchor the dance floor presentations, a role previously held by Daly, while Radebe conducts interviews from the auditorium, mirroring Winkleman's segment. This new arrangement has drawn mixed reactions from the audience.
Viewers noted Widdicombe's perceived awkwardness next to the more seasoned Willis, and he reportedly missed his cue twice during the broadcast. Amidst his presenting duties, Widdicombe also became the subject of a jest from judge Mabuse.
Following judge Craig Revel Horwood's critical feedback to contestant Sarah Storey, Mabuse indicated her agreement with Revel Horwood's assessment. Revel Horwood humorously suggested moving on to judge Shirley Ballas, to which Mabuse responded with laughter, asserting her own role. Widdicombe then lightheartedly called out "Shirley!" as if to fast-forward past Mabuse's comments.
Mabuse then playfully addressed Widdicombe, asking, "Well are we going to be friends or enemies, you choose now!" prompting laughter from the audience and Widdicombe.
Social media reactions reflected the divided opinions on the new presenting setup. One user commented on X, "Josh feared for his P45 in Week 1. Motsi ate him up." Another viewer expressed, "I'm not going to be one of the people hating on Josh. For me the problem is that three hosts just aren't needed. He's just standing there awkwardly next to Emma without much to do."
Despite some criticism, Widdicombe also received praise for a "change partners" joke, a nod to the show's new format for announcing celebrity-professional pairings. His comedic timing during this segment amused viewers.
The episode featured the first performances of the season. Will Best and Dianne Buswell opened with a Samba, earning 18 points. Skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita followed with a Jive, scoring 22. Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey and Julian Caillon performed a Quickstep, receiving 15 points.
Actor Lawrence Robb and Jowita Przystał danced the Paso Doble, achieving 20 points. Former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips and Alexis Warr presented a Cha Cha, with a score of 15. Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu performed a Quickstep, earning 26 points.
EastEnders actress Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola received 27 points for their Cha Cha. Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden scored 16 for their Tango. Actress Melanie Walters and Aljaž Škorjanec earned 15 points for their Cha Cha.
Love Island's Cach Mercer and Maddie Ingoldsby garnered 20 points for their Quickstep. Dog trainer Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakley danced the Cha Cha, scoring 24. Actress Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu performed a Tango, receiving 21 points.
Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin scored 22 for their Samba. Sports YouTuber John Nellis and Katya Jones topped the leaderboard with 31 points for their Foxtrot. Australian singer Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington concluded the night with a Samba, scoring 29 points.
The show's lineup, initially met with skepticism and labeled by some as "the worst ever," saw many contestants win over viewers during the live broadcast. Producers have reportedly focused on contestants with large social media followings to attract younger demographics, a strategy mirroring that of "Dancing With The Stars."