BBC denies early reports of Strictly hosting changes

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 11:44 · Archive

The BBC has denied reports that it plans to replace its new presenting trio after just one series.

The BBC has denied reports that it plans to replace its presenting team for Strictly Come Dancing after just one series. Anonymous sources told the Daily Mail that bosses had concluded the new trio of Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe would 'have to change' for next year, claiming the show had become the 'butt of jokes' and a 'laughing stock'. The sources alleged that many traditional viewers had stopped watching and that 'changes are afoot' at the BBC.

A BBC spokesman dismissed the reports as 'pure and utter speculation'. The new presenting team replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who left the show last year. Since the series began in September, Josh Widdicombe has faced particular criticism from viewers, with some accusing him of appearing 'out of his depth', though Emma Willis has been described as 'a safe pair of hands'.

How it is being reported

• BBC responds to claims Strictly bosses plotting to change host line-up next yearEXCLUSIVE: The BBC has spoken to the Mirror about the claims that Strictly Come Dancing's controversial new presenting trio will be changed after just one seriesThe Mirror · 25 Oct, 09:39
• BBC addresses ‘plans to change Strictly Come Dancing hosts’ after just one seriesA BBC spokesman insisted any talk of changes for next year was 'pure and utter speculation'.Metro · 25 Oct, 08:55

In this story: BBC · Emma Willis · Johannes Radebe · Josh Widdicombe · Tess Daly · Claudia Winkleman · Strictly Come Dancing

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