BBC presenter urges Strictly fans to ‘be kind’ after cruel Josh Widdicombe backlash

| Deputy Entertainment Editor Published September 28, 2026 11:45am Updated September 28, 2026 11:45am Josh Widdicombe’s Strictly Come Dancing role has been defended after fierce backlash (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy) Josh Widdicombe has been defended by a string of celebrities after mounting scrutiny over his new hosting role on Strictly Come Dancing. The comedian, 43, has been met with cruel backlash as he finds his feet in the coveted presenter role alongside Emma Willis, 50, and Johannes Radebe, 39. The Last Leg star has been harshly labelled everything from a ‘spare part’ to ‘utterly useless’ in horrible online comments after the BBC dancing competition’s first live episode this weekend. But Josh has the support of fellow presenters and TV stars, who have rushed in to defend him by questioning why he’s been getting such a hard time. BBC DJ and presenter Ed James, 50, took to social media to urge Strictly Come Dancing viewers to ‘be a little kinder’, adding: ‘He’s a great presenter, doing a massive job and was bound to have been bloody nervous.’ 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. Ed wrote: ‘It’s a TV show?! If you didn’t like him, switch off! Why feel the need to go online and give him a harsh time? ‘If you didn’t like him, switch off,’ presenter Ed James told his followers (Picture: BBC) Josh was announced as one of the new Strictly hosts, alongside Emma and Johannes, back in May (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire) ‘Not sure how going online and having a go at him helps anyone… least of all Josh who’s just trying to do the best job he can on one of the biggest platforms in the UK.‘Can we be a little kinder?He added: ‘And if you are tempted to open up social media and join the pile on… Go to the gym, have a glass of wine, spend some time outside and hopefully realise this really isn’t something to get all worked up about!’ The post has been backed by a number of celebs, including presenter Gabby Logan, who commented a raising hands emoji. Katie Piper, Tamzin Outhwaite, and Denise Lewis have also commented on the post, sharing their support for Josh. The Mock the Week star previously revealed that he felt nervous when he was first offered the role alongside Emma and Johannes, but was put at ease the moment they first came together. The comedian previously revealed his nerves over the new role (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock) Josh said he was ‘at ease’ from the moment he met Emma and Johannes (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston) ‘I thought I was rubbish,’ he explained to The Times. ‘Everything I said felt false. I didn’t know where to put my hands [But after being paired with Emma and Johannes] from the moment we met, everyone was on the same wavelength, everyone was laughing.’ He added: ‘Then we did the launch show, and I was like: “Oh no, we’re good at this, this is fun.” Deals of the Day I tried L'Oréal Paris's new PDRN serum and my skin looked glossier after one use This new Cricut gadget turns your favourite photos into stickers in minutes From kitchen hatches to burgundy walls – the biggest home trends for 2027 Oodie’s cosy blanket sale has arrived just in time for Christmas shopping Save over £700 on Simba's top-rated mattresses in this limited-time sale ‘I am confident in this. I am not a rubbish comedian, I know that. On the launch night the joy was insane. It’s one of the least cynical places I have ever been. Arrow MORE: Sara Cox’s ‘quick-witted’ replacement on BBC Radio 2 revealed Arrow MORE: Strictly’s Shirley Ballas, 66, warned away from love interest, 36: ‘Don’t take my man’ Arrow MORE: Celebrity Traitors stops filming after star becomes ‘visibly stressed while shooting’ TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.