The latest series of the popular dance competition Strictly Come Dancing has faced significant criticism following its recent revamp, as concerns emerge over the new presenting team, celebrity lineup, and overall production choices. The changes, introduced for the 2026 season, have sparked internal tensions and divided audience reactions.

The show’s new presenting trio—Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis, and Johannes Radebe—has drawn particular scrutiny. Johannes, who joined Strictly as a professional dancer in 2018, was promoted to co-host after no judging spots became available. Sources suggest the South African presenter sought to move beyond competing, with fears he might leave the show if not given a more prominent role. Nonetheless, his debut did not go without incident; during the first live show, he was seen reading voting terms prematurely and off-camera, drawing criticism from viewers and staff alike.

Josh Widdicombe, known for his work as a comedian and longstanding co-host of Channel 4's The Last Leg, was reportedly a controversial selection. An insider described him as ill-suited for Strictly’s format, citing his on-air style and interactions—for example, a moment when he interrupted judge Motsi Mabuse, who retorted with a pointed remark about their dynamic. Josh himself acknowledged the show's demanding schedule, admitting he felt "so tired" following the pre-recorded launch episode. Industry sources described the role as gruelling, highlighting the intensive filming and rehearsal schedule that previous hosts have managed over decades.

Emma Willis, while praised by some sources as "great," was reportedly less experienced than ideal for the role, leading to a view among some staff that pairing her with a more seasoned presenter might have mitigated issues. Behind the scenes, tensions appear to be rising, with reports of crisis meetings and a refusal by some production members to engage with constructive criticism. Some journalists have even been barred from weekly interviews, drawing disapproval given the show’s public funding through the BBC licence fee.

Compounding criticism of the new hosting team is dissatisfaction with the celebrity contestants for this series. Observers note the line-up includes figures better known to younger audiences, which some perceive as alienating the program’s traditional fanbase. The BBC defended the changes by citing the programme’s continued strong ratings, with a peak audience of around five million viewers at the latest live show. However, industry insiders acknowledge that Strictly’s viewership is unlikely to return to the heights seen in past years, when the series regularly attracted over 10 million viewers, including a high of 13.2 million during the 2020 finale.

Despite efforts to refresh the format and appeal to new demographics, the current iteration of Strictly Come Dancing is grappling with skepticism both inside and outside the production team. As the series progresses, all eyes will be on how the new presenting team adapts and whether the programme can regain its former broad appeal in an increasingly competitive entertainment landscape.