Strictly viewers call for Ellie Taylor to replace Josh Widdicombe after live cue blunder
Viewers have not been pleased with Josh Widdicombe’s hosting performance so far (BBC/Guy Levy)
Strictly Come Dancing viewers have criticised new host Josh Widdicombe after a live-show cue mishap, with some calling for Ellie Taylor to replace him following her well-received It Takes Two debut.
Widdicombe took part in his first live show of Strictly Come Dancing last weekend. The presenting shake-up has reportedly left viewers torn, with backlash aimed at the new line-up.
Some of the strongest reaction has focused on a moment during Saturday night’s live broadcast when Widdicombe reportedly missed his cue, leaving an awkward pause before a crew member prompted him to begin. The moment has been shared widely online, and some viewers have suggested Taylor as an alternative after her brief appearance on the main show to plug the BBC Two spin-off.
Posts quoted from X included: @EllieJaneTaylor get rid of Josh and Johannes should be back on the dance floor.” Another wrote: “Ellie Taylor in two minutes has already proven better than Josh and JoJo combined.” A third said: “Ellie on #ItTakesTwo is refreshing and a nice surprise. Can she please do a swap and come and do the Saturday night shows…she’s MILES better than Josh and JoJo!!”.
Viewer calls for an Ellie Taylor swap
Taylor is currently presenting It Takes Two, having replaced Fleur East and Janette Manrara, and has been praised by some viewers for her hosting style. Reports of the on-air stumble landed amid wider debate about the new presenting trio and whether the refreshed format is working.
The show’s new hosts were confirmed earlier this year, when Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe were announced as the presenters stepping into Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s shoes.
Backlash as Strictly’s new era begins
The criticism has also come as viewing figures for the new era come into focus. Strictly Come Dancing’s first live show of 2026 peaked at 5 million viewers on BBC One, with the BBC saying it was still the most watched programme of the night despite a year-on-year dip.
Widdicombe is best known to many viewers for co-hosting The Last Leg, while Taylor has become a familiar face on UK panel shows and has increasingly moved into hosting roles across entertainment formats.
