Strictly pro says Josh Widdicombe needs to find his funny

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 10:00 · Archive

Strictly legend Ian Waite says new host Josh Widdicombe must discover his comedic side as the presenting team settles in.

Strictly legend Ian Waite, who appeared on the show for seven series, has assessed the new presenting team's performance this year. He believes Josh Widdicombe, alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe, are finding their feet week by week, though he thinks Widdicombe specifically needs to reveal his comedic talents more fully. 'Each week that goes past, the presenting team seem to be getting better and finding their feet,' Waite told the Mirror. He praised the appointments, noting that it makes sense for long-serving professionals like Johannes to progress to prominent roles, as Anton did with judging.

Widdicombe has faced viewer backlash, with some of his pre-scripted jokes struggling to land with audiences. However, body language expert Judi James argues that his divisive presence could be helping the show. She told Paddy Power that Widdicombe has become a 'lightning rod' for discussion, creating the kind of 'water cooler' moments that might otherwise be missing from this year's series. James suggested that once the chatter about Widdicombe dies down, viewers may realise his role in generating the attention the long-running competition needs.

How it is being reported

• Strictly's Josh Widdicombe could be 'saving' the show despite viewer backlash, expert claimsIt comes as Strictly viewers continue a heated online debate over Widdicombe’s presenting styleEvening Standard · 11 Oct, 09:38
• Strictly pro issues warning to Josh Widdicombe and reveals how Zoe Ball reacted to rejectionEXCLUSIVE: Strictly legend Ian Waite tells the Mirror how he thinks the revamp is going - and gives an insight into how Zoe Ball reacted after missing out on the hosting gigThe Mirror · 10 Oct, 10:18

In this story: Josh Widdicombe · Ian Waite · Emma Willis · Johannes Radebe · Zoe Ball · Strictly Come Dancing · BBC

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