Matt Willis Defends Wife Emma Willis Amidst 'Strictly Come Dancing' Hosting Criticism

Matt Willis has publicly defended his wife, Emma Willis, who has faced criticism for her role as a host on the BBC's 'Strictly Come Dancing.' The show's new presenting trio, featuring Emma, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe, has been under scrutiny since the latest season began two weeks ago.

Willis, who co-hosts 'Love Is Blind UK' with Emma, stated that his wife is "so happy" in her new hosting position and is performing exceptionally well. "She doesn't pay attention to anything, she's very good at doing her job. She just puts her head down, does her job the best she can," he said during an appearance on 'This Morning.' He added that Emma "loves working with Josh and Jojo" and that they are "great and they're brilliant and they're lovely people and they're just in all of this together."

While Emma has received praise for her hosting, Widdicombe and Radebe's presenting has drawn criticism from some viewers. However, Matt Willis insisted that Emma is "smashing it" in her role and is enjoying the experience. He also shared that he has been asked to participate in 'Strictly' multiple times but has declined due to a potential conflict of interest.

Following the critical feedback regarding the hosting arrangement, 'Strictly's' results show implemented a revised format. Emma and Johannes initially presented together to discuss the dances with the judges, a move that viewers on X (formerly Twitter) widely supported, with many urging the show to adopt this structure permanently. "Emma and Johannes presenting together this is much better it's not hard," one viewer commented. Another suggested, "This is the way the hosting needs to be split with emma downstairs as main host and josh and johannes upstairs."

Later in the results show, Emma moved downstairs to announce the votes, with Josh joining Johannes upstairs to interact with the contestants. This revised segment also garnered positive reactions, with fans noting that Josh appeared more at ease and natural in the upstairs role. "Now can we move Josh upstairs plz he works much better up there with Johannes," one user posted. Another observed, "Dare I say Josh felt more natural upstairs being a bit more off the cuff with the saved couples in the result show?"

In other show news, Chris Appleton became the first contestant eliminated from 'Strictly Come Dancing' in its second week. The Hollywood hairdresser competed in the dance-off against actress Jaime Winstone after receiving the fewest public votes. Appleton's cha-cha was deemed the least impressive by the judges, leading to his unanimous elimination and Winstone's progression to the next week.