Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood compares the new hosting trio to an ‘awkward’ family Christmas

DAILYMAIL.COM • 1h ago

By NIOMI HARRIS, SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER 09:01 08 Oct 2026, updated 09:25 08 Oct 2026

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has likened the new hosting trio of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe to an ‘awkward’ family Christmas as he gave his verdict amid fan criticism following the first live show.

During the launch, the three rotated positions in the Elstree studio, seemingly trying Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s jobs for size. But with three vying for two roles, viewers soon singled out the ‘spare part’, homing in on Josh.

And while viewers complained that show bosses failed to take heed of the feedback for last week’s second live show, Craig, 61, insisted that the trio will soon settle in and ‘fly’ after overcoming the initial awkwardness.

Speaking to The Sun, Craig said: ‘As a new team, as we’re all aware, it’s like having a new family member. You know… you’re just meeting, and the first Christmas together with the daughter’s new husband could be awkward.

‘It’s about building relationships, and in my opinion, a really, really good job. I know that from this level they’ll just fly.’

Despite the furore surrounding Josh’s signing, Craig went on to compliment the ‘very funny’ comedian, noting that he was sure Josh will soon excel once he gets settled.

He said: ‘Josh is very funny when he’s off the cuff. He’s absolutely brilliant, and I know that he will come into his own. He’s absolutely hilarious when he gets going.’

Meanwhile, the long-time judge had nothing but praise for ‘old hand’ Emma as he told how he ‘totally loves’ her after they had filmed pilots together over ‘several days’.

In a similar vein to viewers’ thoughts, Craig gushed that Emma was ‘a natural’ who knows ‘exactly what she’s doing’.

Moving on to former show professional Johannes, Craig observed that while his new presenting role was ‘totally new’ for him, Johannes adds ‘something special’ as he knows what the contestants are going through.

With the South African dancer and choreographer on board, Craig remarked that it’s the first time they’ve had a host with a ‘background’ in dance who can actually ‘ask questions’ and have ‘an opinion’ on the performances.

However, the judge has one criticism of Johannes – that he stole his famous ‘darling’ catchphrase, with Craig quipping he’s now going to try and say it less on the show.

Craig’s words come amid mixed feedback from fans, with viewers struggling to warm to the new trio following Tess and Claudia’s shock departures.

For the first live show Emma, the most experienced presenter of the three, took over Tess’s position down on the dancefloor, looking out for the nervous contestants during the judges’ critique.

Johannes meanwhile was up in the ‘Clauditorium’, debriefing with his fellow pros and their partners.

That left Josh, who was placed by Emma’s side adding the punchlines to her commentary, but the decision to split Tess’s role didn’t go down well with viewers who remarked that the comedian looked like a ‘spare part’ next to seasoned professional Emma.

Josh’s inexperience, and nerves, were evident when he awkwardly missed his cue during a link.

Critics and viewers have argued though that ‘Josh is really not the problem’, criticising BBC bosses for hiring three hosts and misassigning their roles.

Josh, well versed in comedy live telly thanks to his 14 years on Channel 4’s The Last Leg, should have been given Claudia’s role, argued many fans, pointing out that his gag-filled commentary works best as a soloist.

It comes after Motsi Mabuse defended the show’s new trio of hosts, after fans claimed they spotted tension between her and presenter Josh.

During Week 2 viewers started to notice a simmering ‘tension’ between Motsi and Josh, as they suggested the judge had ‘had enough of the comedian interrupting her with his jokes’.

Motsi though has hit back at the ongoing critique of the show, insisting ‘it already feels like we’re finding our rhythm.’

Sharing photos on Instagram, Motsi told her followers: ‘Show 2 was so fun!!! It already feels like we’re finding our rhythm. After 21 years, a big change needs time.

‘Why do we expect everything new to be perfect immediately?’

‘Critique matters, but so does how we deliver it. We can be honest and still be kind. Imagine if we all only got ONE chance to get things right. Give it time.

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