Willis Defends Wife's 'Strictly' Hosting Amid Viewer Criticism

Matt Willis has voiced his support for his wife, Emma, in her new role as a host on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, asserting that she is "perfect" for the position despite criticism surrounding the revamped presenting team. The presenter's debut on the popular show, alongside co-hosts Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, has faced a lukewarm response from viewers.

Willis described the Strictly hosting opportunity as a "curveball," noting it was unexpected for him and his wife. "Taking the biggest job on TV was not on our bingo card for 2026, but I'm so proud of her," he stated in an interview. "And if anyone can do it, it's her. I'm stoked for her, she's perfect for it, and loves the show so much."

The new hosting arrangement saw Josh Widdicombe positioned on the dancefloor, similar to Tess Daly's former role, while Johannes Radebe interviewed contestants from the auditorium, a position previously held by Claudia Winkleman. However, this division of duties did not resonate with all viewers. Reports indicated that Widdicombe appeared to be a "spare part" at times and missed cues during the broadcast. The initial live show attracted 4.8 million viewers, a notable decrease from the 6.2 million who tuned in for the first live episode of the previous year's series.

Emma Willis herself appears to have addressed the critiques indirectly. On Tuesday, she shared a social media post featuring an inspirational quote about embracing choices despite potential judgment, reading: "You'll get judged either way, so may as well pick the fun option." This post garnered supportive comments from fans, including fellow presenter Johannes.

The viewership figures for the opening live show mark a decline compared to recent years. The pre-recorded launch show earlier in September peaked at 5.8 million viewers, averaging 5.3 million, a slight decrease from the previous year's average of 5.4 million. While the peak figure showed a marginal increase, it remains below the audience numbers recorded before the show faced controversies related to contestant treatment and behind-the-scenes culture, which led to departures of professional dancers and the implementation of enhanced welfare measures by the BBC. Prior to these issues, the Strictly launch shows in 2023 saw peak viewership of 6.7 million and an average of 6.3 million.