THIS is the awkward moment a Strictly Come Dancing star made a Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman joke in front of the new hosts.
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are now officially at the helm of the BBC show.
Strictly’s Lawrence Robb made a cheeky reference to former hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman Credit: BBC
The new presenting trio seemed amused by Lawrence’s quip Credit: BBC
They succeed Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced their joint departures last year.
During the launch show, Emmerdale star Lawrence Robb name-dropped the pair to the new presenting trio.
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Emma mentioned Lawrence – who plays Mackenzie Boyd – follows in the footsteps of fellow Dales turned Strictly stars Kelvin Fletcher and Lewis Cope.
He responded: “They are very big, large shoes to fill.
not pleased
Strictly fans slam ‘car crash’ launch twist as partner pairings are revealed
VIEWER VERDICT
Strictly fans divided by new presenters as they brand one ‘out of depth’
Emmerdale star Lawrence and the class of 2026 made their Strictly debuts on Saturday night Credit: BBC
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced their Strictly Come Dancing exits last year Credit: PA
“I guess I can empathise with you guys, filling Claudia and Tess’ boots.”
Elsewhere, viewers took to X to discuss the new presenters, with many seeming to take to Emma Willis, calling her a ‘natural’.
“Well I think they’re doing a pretty good job so far #Emma clearly stands out as the professional though,” one penned.
Another agreed: “Emma Willis is going to have a bad back , she’s absolutely carrying this show.”
But while Emma, whose previous TV hosting credits include Big Brother and The Voice UK, hit it off with audiences at home, others weren’t so taken with Josh Widdicombe.
“Josh widdecombe is out of his depth presenting this show absolute muppet,” tweeted one.
Another quipped: “When can we vote Josh Widdicombe out? #strictly.”
“I have no issue with Josh Widdicombe as a comedian but for this atmosphere, he just feels so out of place,” a fellow fan tweeted. “Surely it would have worked better with Emma in the Tess role and Johannes in the Claudia one?”
It seems lots of viewers couldn’t seem to get over the presenting change up, as one penned: “Bring them back PLEASE #Strictly,” alongside a picture of former hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
“I’m not sure three presenters work #Strictly,” added another, with the show having only ever featured two presenters prior.
One X user was in two minds, tweeting: “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.”
