Strictly pros show support for Josh Widdicombe amid calls for him to be replaced
Lauren Oakley showed support for Josh Widdicombe (BBC/Ray Burmiston/BBC Creative/Guy Levy)
A handful of Strictly Come Dancing pros have showed support for Josh Widdicombe, after BBC presenter Ed James criticised what he called a “nasty” backlash towards the new host.
James weighed in as comedian and TV presenter Widdicombe continues to face intense scrutiny from some viewers following his first live show as a host on Strictly, with some calling for Ellie Taylor to replace him.
James argued that if audiences are not enjoying the programme, they should simply stop watching.
Ed James has his say
James described the reaction aimed at Widdicombe as “nasty”.
“Why is he getting a hard time?” he asked. “It’s a TV show?! If you didn’t like, him, switch off!”
The presenter said Widdicombe was “bound to have been nervous”, but said: “He’ll be just fine.”
James suggested viewers should be “a little kinder” and take their frustrations out in the gym, or over a glass of wine.
He shared a follow-up post, asking if social media has “made some people nastier”.
In a video, he said he’d had some backlash for telling people to be nicer, with some questioning why they should do what he says.
“People are being really nasty,” he said. “People are personally having a go at a guy who is literally just trying to do a job, and really early in the job. It’s his first live week. Is that necessary? Is that nice?”
Strictly pros weigh in
James’ comment section was soon filled with more than 1,000 fans having their say, with the post having more than 1million views.
Among them were Strictly pros Dianne Buswell and Lauren Oakley. According to The Mirror, Oakley posted a hands up emoji and added: “Yes!”
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