Strictly Come Dancing's Presenting Trio Reportedly Set for Axe After Just One Series

BBC bosses have reportedly decided to change the presenting line-up for Strictly Come Dancing after just one series, according to a report from the Daily Mail.

The current trio, comprising experienced presenter Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and professional dancer Johannes Radebe, were initially seen as the potential 'future' of the show.

However, sources cited by the outlet suggest that after only four weeks, the program's senior figures believe the current format is not working and has become a "laughing stock." Concerns have been raised that the chosen presenters may have been a mistake and that having three anchors was an error.

"Those at the BBC who didn't see them were shocked and didn't believe it could work," a BBC source reportedly told the Daily Mail. "That view stands, it doesn't work. Not only have many of the traditional viewers stopped watching, the show has become the butt of jokes, a laughing stock."

The report claims that some within the BBC feel the presenting team was an attempt to be "kooky and cool" with an appeal to younger viewers, but it has not resonated. Specific criticism has been leveled at Widdicombe, with one insider suggesting he appears uncomfortable alongside Willis, and that the dynamic is not suited for prime-time entertainment.

"Emma is a very experienced presenter but Josh looks like he's hanging around her like an uncool boy at school and she doesn't want him near her," the source is quoted as saying. "It should be slicker, in the view of many at the top of the BBC, so there are changes afoot."

Senior BBC executives are reportedly seeking opinions from industry professionals regarding potential replacements for next year. The article notes that other presenters, such as Zoe Ball and Rylan Clark, were available.

Questions have also been raised about the contestant line-up this season, with accusations that the BBC is prioritizing younger audiences over its traditional, older viewership.

A BBC spokesman, however, has dismissed the speculation about changes as "pure and utter speculation."

Reports indicate that the judges' contracts are also nearing their end, with one suggestion being that Radebe could potentially move to the judging panel. While Willis, who also presents ITV's The Voice, is expected to remain, Widdicombe's future on the show is considered uncertain.

In the initial weeks of the series, Widdicombe and Radebe faced criticism for their inexperience as presenters, with Radebe reportedly mixing up speaking cues and Widdicombe fumbling his lines. The current series has also faced criticism for its choice of contestants, described as less familiar to the traditional Strictly audience.