“WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO STRICTLY?” VIEWERS REACT TO TESS AND CLAUDIA’S REPLACEMENTS

Strictly Come Dancing viewers have been left divided after the BBC’s new presenting line-up took over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman — with some fans questioning whether three hosts are really needed.

The 2026 series marks the beginning of a new era for the long-running BBC dance show, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe replacing the much-loved presenting partnership of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

But while some viewers have welcomed the fresh faces, others have taken to social media to say the programme simply does not feel the same.

And one complaint has repeatedly appeared among the reaction:

Why does Strictly need three presenters?

TESS AND CLAUDIA’S SHOES WERE ALWAYS GOING TO BE HARD TO FILL

Tess Daly had been part of Strictly since its launch in 2004, while Claudia Winkleman became closely associated with the programme after joining its presenting team and later taking on a prominent role in the main Saturday night show.

Their departure was announced in 2025, bringing an end to one of the show’s most recognisable presenting partnerships.

The BBC subsequently confirmed a completely new format for the hosting team.

Emma Willis, an experienced television presenter, took on the main presenting duties.

Josh Widdicombe, the comedian and The Last Leg star, joined the line-up.

And Johannes Radebe, who had been a professional dancer on Strictly since 2018, moved into a new presenting role.

The BBC described the trio’s chemistry as “undeniable” when announcing the line-up.

But viewers were always going to compare the new team with Tess and Claudia.

“I MISS TESS AND CLAUDIA”

When the new presenters made their debut, some viewers admitted they were struggling with the change.

Social-media reactions included comments from fans saying they missed Tess and Claudia, while others questioned the decision to have three presenters on screen.

One viewer wrote that the new programme was “just not the same”, while another asked why Strictly needed three presenters.

Others described the new arrangement as unusual and said they needed time to adjust.

The criticism was particularly noticeable around Josh Widdicombe.

Some viewers felt the comedian looked nervous and uncomfortable in the ballroom, with comments suggesting that he appeared “out of place.”

Others questioned his laughter and delivery during parts of the show.

JOSH BECOMES THE CENTRE OF THE BACKLASH

The reaction intensified after the opening programme, with some viewers focusing on Josh’s presenting style.

Reports noted that eagle-eyed viewers believed they could see him silently mouthing words from the autocue while Emma Willis was speaking.

Other viewers simply felt that his comedy style did not immediately fit the atmosphere of Strictly.

Some even threatened to switch channels if the presentation style continued.

However, the response was far from universally negative.

Other fans defended Josh and argued that he deserved time to settle into the role, particularly because this was his first time taking on such a prominent live-entertainment presenting job.

JOSH RESPONDS TO THE REACTION

Rather than becoming involved in the online criticism, Josh has said that he enjoyed the experience.

Speaking on the Parenting Hell podcast, he thanked people who had supported him and described Emma and Johannes as a joy to work with.

He also pointed out that Strictly is ultimately about the contestants and their dancing, rather than the presenters.

That perspective has been echoed by supporters who believe the new hosts need time to develop their own chemistry.

EMMA AND JOHANNES ALSO HAVE THEIR SUPPORTERS

While Josh received much of the criticism, Emma Willis attracted considerable praise from viewers.

Some fans described her as a natural successor to Tess, highlighting her previous television presenting experience and calm style.

Johannes Radebe has also received support from viewers familiar with his years as a Strictly professional.

His new role is particularly different because he has moved from performing on the dance floor to interacting with contestants and providing backstage insight.

The BBC has said his knowledge of the programme and experience as a professional dancer would bring a different perspective to the show.

THE FIRST LIVE SHOW BRINGS A NEW TEST

The trio faced another major test when Strictly’s first live show of the 2026 series aired on September 26.

This time, the presenters divided the duties, with Emma and Josh positioned around the judges while Johannes interviewed contestants in the balcony area.

The live programme attracted an average audience of 4.8 million viewers and peaked at five million, according to the BBC. The broadcaster said it was the most-watched programme of the night.

That means the new presenting team has already reached millions of viewers — but the debate surrounding their chemistry is likely to continue as the series progresses.

A NEW ERA — BUT WILL FANS GET USED TO IT?

There is one thing the reaction makes clear: Strictly viewers are deeply attached to the show’s traditions.

For some, replacing Tess and Claudia was always going to feel strange.

For others, the arrival of Emma, Josh and Johannes represents an opportunity for the programme to develop a different style.

And there are already viewers who say they love the new trio and want critics to give them time.

The BBC itself acknowledged before the series began that replacing two established presenters would not be easy.

Emma previously said it was impossible to “fill the shoes” Tess and Claudia had left behind, describing the pair as two iconic figures who had been at the heart of Strictly for years.

Now, with the first live show complete, the new presenters have several more weeks to establish their own rhythm.

For some fans, the question remains:

“What has happened to Strictly?”

For others, the answer may simply be that Strictly is changing — and viewers are still deciding what they think of the new era.