Under fire Strictly host Josh Widdicombe is a ‘lamb to the slaughter’ after disastrous first show, says ex pro Brendan

UNDER fire Strictly Come Dancing host Josh Widdicombe is a “lamb to the slaughter” after a divisive first show, claims former pro dancer Brendan Cole. Josh, 43, made his hosting debut alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe during the Saturday night launch show. Comedian Josh Widdicombe made his Strictly hosting debut on Saturday night Credit: PA Brendan Cole branded Josh a ‘lamb to the slaughter’ after watching his hosting debut Credit: Getty Fans were incredibly split over Josh’s performance with many saying he looked “out of place.” Viewers also spotted the comedian had adopted a “strange” habit involving the autocue. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! Now, show legend Brendan has waded into the debate, branding the telly star a “little lamb.” “I feel a bit sorry for him because he’s a bit like a lamb to the slaughter. He looked like a little lamb at times but not because he wasn’t good at his job,” admitted Brendan, while speaking to The Sun on behalf of Sky Vegas. Read more on Brendan Cole Johannes, Emma and Josh received a mix bag of reviews after the launch night show Credit: PA Brendan, 50, appeared on Strictly from 2004 to 2017 before being axed by bosses Credit: BBC Press Handout “He’s not a dancer, he’s a comedian. He is a good presenter and he’s fun to watch.” Brendan, 50, continued: “But on a show like Strictly, especially when Johannes Radebe is quite flamboyant and stands there all regally like only he would, and then alongside Emma Willis, the ultimate professional, she’s very strong and has quite a strong presenting style. “That is probably the reason he’s getting the critique, it’s because it felt a little bit out of place.” While Brendan echoed similar sentiments to BBC viewers, he also made clear that fans should “give him a chance.” Most read in TV “We’re talking about the launch show. Let’s see what the real show is like and give him a chance, because I’d hate to be in his shoes,” added Brendan. “As a presenter, you’re essentially presented with a script and you do the script you’ve got.” Brendan found fame after appearing on 15 consecutive seasons of the BBC One show from 2004 to 2017. He departed Strictly when his contract was not renewed by bosses in January 2018. Josh, meanwhile, is well known in the telly world, hosting The Last Leg for over a decade as well as frequently appearing on panel shows. After the first instalment of Strictly, which saw the celebrities find out their pro partners, viewers took to social media to give their verdict on Josh’s debut. One fan wrote on X: “I have no issue with Josh Widdicombe as a comedian but for this atmosphere, he just feels so out of place.” Another fan penned: “Josh Widdecombe is out of his depth presenting this show.” Meanwhile, a third fan disagreed saying: “I like the energy from the presenters so far, they seem much more warm and genuine than Tess ever did. I shall miss Claudia though.” Comment now