Strictly judge leaps to defence of Josh Widdicombe amid heavy criticism
Josh Widdicombe has struggled to win over viewers since joining Strictly Come Dancing as a host
Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has defended comedian and series-co-host Josh Widdicombe, saying he is “brilliant at his job”.
The BBC dance series came back to screens last month with a new presenting team alongside its star-studded celebrity line-up. Widdicombe, broadcaster Emma Willis and former Strictly professional Johannes Radebe make up that team.
Ballas, 66, has backed Widdicombe, whose presenting style has sparked mixed reactions among fans and critics.
She said the new presenting team have made the long-running series feel “fresh”. Ballas was speaking on the red carpet for the Pride Of Britain award ceremony.
She told the Press Association: “I have a changing room just down from Josh. He is humorous. He is a gentleman.
“He is kind and I think he’s brilliant at his job.”
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly previously fronted the show together for more than a decade. The trio stepped into the role after Winkleman and Daly announced their departure last year.
Ballas added: “It’s mixed up but it feels great. It feels fresh. Still one of those bigger shows where people tune into for all the family. So it’s great.”
Speaking about the series, Ballas continued: “I’ve had the best time with the new presenters, and the cast is such an even playing field. Everybody’s getting into the groove now.”
The judging panel features Ballas alongside Oti Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke.
The series is now in its fifth week, and had its third elimination on Sunday night.
Dame Sarah Storey and Julian Caillon exited the show after ending up in the dance-off along with House of the Dragon’s Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu.
On Saturday night’s show, Storey and Caillon received a total of 21 points for their Tango to the sounds of Shania Twain’s “That Don’t Impress Me Much”, putting them bottom of the leaderboard. Antonia and Xu placed third from bottom, after their Cha-Cha-Cha – danced to Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” earned them just 27 points.
Antonia and Xu were saved by the judges following Sunday’s dance-off.
This year’s line-up includes reality TV star Dani Dyer, singer Delta Goodrem, sports pundit Shaun Wright-Phillips, and broadcaster Will Best.
