Motsi Mabuse Defends 'Imperfectly Human' Strictly Presenters Amid AI Concerns

Motsi Mabuse, a judge on "Strictly Come Dancing," has called for viewer patience with the show's new presenting lineup, composed of Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis, and Johannes Radebe. The trio took over from long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman for the current season.

The initial live show faced scrutiny from some viewers, with comedian Widdicombe, 43, being described as a "spare part" next to Willis, 50. He also reportedly missed cues during his segments. Radebe, meanwhile, conducted interviews from the auditorium, a role previously held by Winkleman.

Mabuse, who has been a judge since 2019, addressed the criticism on the social platform Threads. "While people type away, tearing apart real human beings on television, real emotions!" she wrote. "AI is getting better at replacing them. One day we might not even know the difference. And maybe then we'll miss the days when television was still beautifully, imperfectly human."

Mabuse, alongside fellow judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke, is part of the panel evaluating the celebrity contestants. In a lighthearted moment during the first live show, Mabuse made a playful remark to Widdicombe after agreeing with Revel Horwood's critique of a dance. When Widdicombe jokingly tried to bypass her feedback, Mabuse quipped, "Well are we going to be friends or enemies, you choose now!" prompting laughter from the audience and Widdicombe.

The new presenting arrangement has elicited mixed reactions online. Some viewers suggested that a three-host format was unnecessary, with some suggesting Widdicombe would be better suited to interacting with contestants in the "Clauditorium," the area where Radebe is positioned. Others felt the dynamic could be improved by separating Widdicombe and Willis, or by having Willis host alone on the main floor.

Despite the audience feedback, no couples were eliminated after the first week. The scores from this initial show will be combined with those from the following week before the first elimination takes place next Sunday.