BBC addresses ‘plans to change Strictly Come Dancing hosts’ after just one series

| Deputy Entertainment Editor Published October 25, 2026 8:55am Updated October 25, 2026 8:55am The BBC is reportedly reconsidering its new presenting team for Strictly Come Dancing after just four weeks (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire) The BBC have addressed reports that they could be changing the show’s host line-up after just one series. Along with its star-studded new line-up of celebrities, the BBC dance series returned to screens last month with a new presenting team made up of Josh Widdicombe, broadcaster Emma Willis and former Strictly professional Johannes Radebe. But comedian Josh has faced the brunt of backlash from viewers, who have cruelly accused him of appearing ‘out of his depth’. The show has now addressed anonymous sources who have said that bosses have already concluded that the new trio will ‘have to change’ for next year’s series after becoming ‘the butt of the joke’. A source speculated to The Daily Mail: ‘When Emma, Josh and Johannes entered that room, they were seen to be the dream. Those at the BBC who didn’t see them were shocked and didn’t believe it could work. Get personalised updates on Strictly Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. ‘That view stands, it doesn’t work. Not only have many of the traditional viewers stopped watching, the show has become the butt of jokes, a laughing stock. A BBC spokesman insisted any talk of changes for next year was ‘pure and utter speculation’ (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy) Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced they are leaving the BBC dance show in October 2025 (Picture: Hogan/Hogan Media/Shutterstock) ‘It’s like those choosing were trying to be kooky and cool, and they saw something that might appeal to young people. ‘It should be slicker, in the view of many at the top of the BBC, so there are changes afoot. There were so many brilliant presenters to choose from – Zoe Ball and Rylan Clark, for example – but they went for this lot.’ The publication adds that Emma’s position as host could remain, while Josh’s ‘could be in doubt’. The insider said: ‘It isn’t working. Strictly isn’t really for him, he probably knows that.’ Metro understands that Strictly Come Dancing staff aren’t aware of any changes to the show’s line-up. A BBC spokesperson told Metro: ‘This is pure and utter speculation.’ The new hosts have been met with a mixed reception since their debut a month ago (Picture: BBC) One year ago, former hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced they were leaving the BBC dance programme. In a joint statement shared on Instagram, the co-hosts, who had fronted the series together since 2014, said they would be leave after the series came to a close. Auditions for new hosts to take the reigns from the presenters began shortly after, with the likes of Rylan Clark, Clara Amfo, and Sara Cox undergoing gruelling screen tests before the final selection was made. Zoe Ball confirmed she auditioned for the show and later experienced ‘grief’ after being rejected. Discussing the audition on an episode of her Dig It podcast, the radio star said: ‘I didn’t get it, but it’s OK. She told her co-host Jo Whiley: ‘I have worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection over the last couple of days.’ Deals of the Day See London's Christmas lights from an open-top double-decker bus this winter My skin always suffers when the heating goes on but this serum changed that The skincare formula that finally took the guesswork out of my routine Families can save up to 20% on summer 2027 holidays in Club Med's four-day sale Cold mornings are coming and this is the dressing gown I want to live in Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Arrow MORE: Strictly’s Delta Goodrem shares new health update after ‘injury she’s never encountered before’ Arrow MORE: Brendan Cole is complaining about Strictly yet again after his cruel Amy Dowden comments Arrow MORE: Strictly’s Amy Dowden slams ‘desperate’ Brendan Cole after cruel criticism TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.