Josh Widdicombe Pulls Up Social Media Drawbridge After 'Strictly' Criticism
The comedian has limited his phone use and adopted a 'brick' device to block distracting apps following online backlash over his role on the BBC show.
Josh Widdicombe, one of the new hosts for the BBC's "Strictly Come Dancing," has announced he is limiting his social media consumption and has "pulled the drawbridge up" on what he views online. The comedian's decision follows criticism from some viewers who labeled him a "spare part" in the new hosting trio, which also includes Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe.
Widdicombe discussed his social media habits on his podcast "Parenting Hell" with co-host Rob Beckett. He revealed he is using a "brick" device, a screen-time blocking tool that locks distracting apps on smartphones. "I'm back on the brick. You've inspired me and I'm loving the brick again," Widdicombe told Beckett, who explained he has started using a second phone to limit social media on his personal device.
Widdicombe, 43, acknowledged that the need for such measures is "mad" in the current digital age. Beckett joked that Widdicombe had "pulled the drawbridge up" on consuming content post-2003, to which Widdicombe replied, "I pulled the drawbridge up at 2008 when I started stand up."
The "Strictly" live show featuring Widdicombe, Willis, and Radebe has seen a drop in ratings since they took over from previous hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The first live episode garnered fewer viewers than the pre-recorded launch episode, a first in seven years. Viewers expressed dissatisfaction with the new presenters, citing missed cues and fumbled lines, and questioned the decision to employ three hosts for roles previously filled by two.
During the live debut, Emma Willis was positioned on the dance floor to interact with contestants, while Johannes Radebe was in the "Clauditorium" debriefing with professionals. Widdicombe was placed beside Willis, adding commentary, a role that many viewers felt made him appear out of place. "It's mad that we've reached this space in time where we have to buy a second phone because we're being dragged into these apps," Widdicombe stated.
Widdicombe's inexperience was noticeable when he missed a cue, remaining silent for a few seconds after a segment. Similar incidents occurred later in the show. Judge Motsi Mabuse also playfully teased Widdicombe during feedback for Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey.
Despite the on-air stumbles and viewer critiques, some audience members and critics argue that the issue lies with the BBC's decision to hire three hosts and mismanage their roles. Many suggested Widdicombe, with his experience in live television comedy from Channel 4's "The Last Leg," would have been better suited to hosting the "Clauditorium" segment, where his comedic commentary could be more effectively utilized. "For me the problem is that three hosts just aren't needed," one viewer commented on X, formerly Twitter. Another suggested, "I'd switch Jojo and Josh around, why book a comedian and not put him causing chaos and fun in the Clauditorium."