Emma Willis shares cryptic post following Strictly criticism

The 50-year-old and her new co-hosts Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe fronted their first live show on Saturday since taking over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman

Emma Willis stands in front of a yellow background, wearing a beige suit with vertical stripes.© Getty Images
Nicky Morris
Nicky MorrisDeputy Entertainment Editor
49 minutes ago
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Emma Willis seemingly hit back at criticism over the Strictly Come Dancing launch show in a cryptic Instagram post. 

The 50-year-old TV presenter and her new co-hosts Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe fronted their first live show of the latest season of Strictly since taking over from previous presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

While Emma was widely praised by critics, TV reviewers found fault with Josh and Johannes' presenting efforts. 

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Taking to social media on Tuesday, Emma shared a selection of behind-the-scenes photos, including one of her husband, singer Matt Willis, backstage. "And then… we were LIVE! #Strictly," she penned in the caption. "A little camera roll dump from our first weekend of live show."

Recommended videoYou may also likeWATCH: Meet Strictly's new hosts

The final photo featured an inspiring quote that read: "You'll get judged either way, so you may as well pick the fun option."

Three people sitting on a couch holding 'Strictly Come Dancing' posters. The woman is Emma Willis.© CREDIT LINE:BBC/Guy Levy
Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe took over from previous hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman

The comments section was quickly inundated with messages of support from fans. One person wrote: "You are always absolutely brilliant, so loveable and just such a natural. Strictly is perfect for you," while another added: "Loving you, Josh and Johannes."

Strictly hosts face criticism

While Emma's performance earned praise from critics, co-hosts Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe faced a more mixed reception. The Telegraph described Josh as "completely ill at ease... talking over his co-hosts and the judges," while noting that Johannes appeared "wet behind the ears in the role". Similarly, The Independent labelled Josh "a problem the show needs to solve" in its three-star review.

Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe© BBC/Ray Burmiston
The trio presented their first live show on Saturday

Strictly's ratings drop

Emma's post comes after Strictly responded to the show dropping one million viewers in its live show broadcast compared to the launch show the week before. The episode that aired on Saturday averaged 4.8 million viewers, while the launch show pulled in an average of 6.2 million.

Three people on stage, woman in center wearing a pink gown, man on left in black suit and glasses, man on right in black shirt smiling.© CREDIT LINE:BBC/Guy Levy
Ratings dropped by one million viewers on Saturday

A Strictly spokesperson said: "Strictly was the most watched programme of the night, with a peak of five million viewers. As ever, overnight ratings do not give the full picture of all those who watch in an on-demand world."

Saturday's episode is currently number two on the iPlayer's most popular chart.

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