Strictly’s Shirley Ballas defends new host Josh Widdicombe after fan backlash
Josh Widdicombe and Shirley Ballas on Strictly (BBC/Guy Levy)
Shirley Ballas has defended Strictly Come Dancing co-host Josh Widdicombe after criticism of his presenting style, calling him “kind” and “brilliant at his job”.
Widdicombe joined the show alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe, following the exits of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. However some fans have not taken to Widdicombe.
Defending him, Ballas, 66, told the Press Association (via The Independent): “I have a changing room just down from Josh. He is humorous. He is a gentleman.”
She added: “He is kind and I think he’s brilliant at his job.”
Shirley Ballas on ‘fresh’ Strictly revamp
Ballas also praised the wider shake-up, saying the new presenting team has helped the long-running show feel “fresh”.
“It’s mixed up but it feels great. It feels fresh,” she said. “Still one of those bigger shows where people tune into for all the family. So it’s great.”
Speaking about the current series, Ballas continued: “I’ve had the best time with the new presenters, and the cast is such an even playing field. Everybody’s getting into the groove now.”
Ballas is head judge on Strictly. She is joined by Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood on the judging panel.
Josh Widdicombe Strictly backlash
Reaction to Widdicombe’s hosting has been building since the new line-up debuted. In late September, viewers criticised him after a live-show blunder, with some calling for Ellie Taylor to replace him following her well-received It Takes Two debut.
Days later, a handful of Strictly Come Dancing pros showed their suppor for him as the scrutiny continued.
Now in its fifth week, the series saw its third celebrity exit on Sunday night. Dame Sarah Storey and Julian Caillon were eliminated after landing in the dance-off against House of the Dragon actress Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu.
This week, it was confirmed Delta Goodrem would be making her return to the dance floor, after she was forced to miss Icons Week due to an injury.
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