Emma Willis Spotted Amidst 'Strictly' Hosting Criticism and Ratings Dip

Emma Willis was seen looking downcast while out for coffee and healthy snacks in London on Friday, amidst criticism surrounding the new hosting lineup for 'Strictly Come Dancing.' The BBC presenter, 50, was dressed casually in a black hoodie and tracksuit bottoms, a stark contrast to the show's typical glamour.

Willis appeared makeup-free and wore glasses as she purchased strawberries and blueberries. She pulled her hood up, seemingly attempting to maintain a low profile, and wore slip-on shoes. She appeared glum after dropping off her fruit at her car before purchasing three takeaway coffees.

The public appearance follows a cryptic Instagram post by Willis in response to criticism after the show's first live episode experienced a ratings slump. The post included the quote: 'You'll get judged either way, so may as well pick the fun option.'

The new hosting team, which includes comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe, took over from previous hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Viewers expressed dissatisfaction with the arrangement, with some suggesting Widdicombe appeared like a 'spare part' and noting he missed his cue twice during the broadcast.

Ratings for the first live show fell to 4.8 million viewers, a significant decrease from last year's 6.2 million. The BBC acknowledged the figures but stated that overnight ratings do not reflect the full viewership in an on-demand world, noting the show was still the most-watched program of the night with a peak of 5 million viewers.

While Willis herself has largely avoided direct criticism and received support from fans and co-host Radebe, the overall reception to the new trio has been mixed. Online commentary suggests that a three-host format may be unnecessary, with some proposing a different division of labor between Widdicombe and Radebe, such as Widdicombe handling comedic duties from the auditorium while Willis presents solo on the dance floor.

This season marks the first time since 2019 that the initial live show has garnered lower ratings than the pre-recorded launch episode. Viewer numbers for the launch show peaked at 5.8 million, slightly up from the previous year, but the average viewership saw a slight decrease. These figures remain below those recorded prior to recent controversies that affected the show, including allegations of contestant mistreatment and behind-the-scenes culture issues, which led to departures of professional dancers and the implementation of stricter welfare measures by the BBC.