Strictly Come Dancing has finally confirmed Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are the next hosts – and I’m already convinced.
Despite Strictly becoming a beloved British cultural institution over the past two decades, I have never been an active watcher of the show. It was never a staple in my household and by the time I was an adult, I felt the moment was over.
The fanbase was long established, the viewership declining, and aside from some passive watching over the years – such as whenever it happened to be on in the background or a major moment gripped the nation – I’ve never sat down and followed a whole season from start to finish.
But, if the new hosting lineup is anything to go by, I think that may be about to change. The BBC has made clear they are looking to make a fresh start.
Of course, it’ll be familiar enough with the same competition format, gaggle of wary but excited celebs and quartet of judges.
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However, with a batch of new pros entering the ballroom and Claudia and Tess handing the mantle over to our plucky new trio – the reset has enticed me to give it a try.
The choice of comedian and Last Leg host Josh especially intrigues me. It feels like a rogue and leftfield choice for the BBC and may just be wild enough to work out.
Clearly, the execs saw a spark in him that they think could work, and with Josh comes a whole new audience who may not have given Strictly a try before.
I’m excited to see what his dynamic with Emma and Johannes will be like, as I feel they are all bringing something different to the table.
Josh is bringing fresh eyes, trusty awkward British humour and a dash of charm, Emma has years of presenting experience to offer to helm the ship with a steady hand, and Johannes plethora of dance expertise and wonderful association with the Strictly brand speaks for itself.
Even in the promo video, I was endeared by their chemistry, which seemed playful and slightly teasing. Even though it’s early days, with Strictly losing steam and recovering from back-to-back scandals, this is the fresh jolt it needed to guide it into its next era.
In the past week of rumours, I have seen people quickly writing off Josh and even Johannes, which seems a terrible shame.
By some fans, Josh has been dubbed a ‘charisma vacuum’, a ‘poor fit’ and hardly a ‘prime time presenter’ while others have cast doubt over JoJo’s place in the trio, calling it ‘redundant’ and the dancer himself ‘untested’.
I would argue, if the show is going downhill anyway, now is the time to take bold gambles and see if it pays off.
The new season returns in September, and it only seems fair to give each of the trio a chance to prove why they are up there.
After all, several stellar candidates were passed over for the job in their place, including Rylan, Alison Hammond, Zoe Ball and more.
I understand the weariness for change, especially as Claudia and Tess cultivated such a trusted brand over their decade together on screen.
But it would have been far worse for the BBC to try to replicate it and fail. Completely switching up the onscreen vibe was the best decision.
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