Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis, and Josh Widdicombe returned to the Strictly ballroom on Saturday evening to welcome the 15 celebrity contestants to the dance floor for the first time.
The presenting trio made their debuts as the new faces of the BBC dance competition last weekend in this year’s pre-recorded launch show.
On Saturday, however, Ms Willis, Mr Radebe, and Mr Widdicombe faced the daunting prospect of presenting live for the first time since taking over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Their debut earlier this month was met with a mixed reception. Ms Willis garnered particular applause for her presenting skills, while many of the complaints centred on the switch from a hosting duo to a trio.
Johannes Radebe took over the ‘Clauditorium’ role
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BBC
During the first live show, the trio split. Ms Willis and Mr Widdicombe remained by the dance floor to accompany each couple as they received their feedback from the judges.
Meanwhile, Mr Radebe occupied the spot in the so-called “Clauditorium” where Ms Winkleman used to preside.
Complaints about the fact that there were three hosts instead of two continued to rain in on social media, but on Saturday, there was another gripe that caught the eye.
And sadly for Mr Radebe, he found himself at the eye of the storm thanks to his constant reminders to the public watching at home not to vote.
The new BBC Strictly trio returned for the first live show
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BBC
Will Best and Dianne Buswell kicked off proceedings, receiving an 18 for their Samba. As they made their way to the “Clauditorium”, Mr Radebe could be heard attempting to warn viewers against voting during the applause.
The same occurred when Tabby Stoecker and her pro partner Mark Karmalita made their way up the stairs, and Mr Radebe repeated the warning shortly after Dame Sarah Storey and Julian Caillon’s Quickstep.
Seemingly unaware he was fighting with the sound of the cheers and applause from the crowd, Mr Radebe once again reminded fans after Shaun Wright-Phillips and Alexis Warr’s Cha Cha: “All of our couples are safe tonight and you will be able to show your support for your favourites next week.”
The recurring habit didn’t go unnoticed. “Why is Johannes always talking doing a link (not even related to today!) before they even come up the stairs?! #strictly,” one X user asked on the social media site.
Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe remained by the dance floor
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BBC
A second called for producers to step in: “Can’t understand how they’re not telling Jojo he’s speaking when everyone’s cheering & can’t hear him… Emma & Josh are OK but feel like none of them have ever presented before. Just not enjoying this at all, so disappointing. #Strictly.”
“Johannes seems to be repeating the same things when the celebs are up there, he has too much of a a gentle personality to come out with the jokes, sarcasm and banter that is needed up there #strictly,” a sympathetic user weighed in.
“Johannes keeps talking before the camera spots him #strictly,” a fourth added alongside crying emojis, before a fifth remarked: “#Strictly Johannes keeps talking to camera too early, so no idea what he’s telling us about.”
A sixth hit out: “Only thing that irritates me on #Strictly tonight is that Johannes reads the Autocue before the Couple reaches him, there’s no camera on you yet darling.”
“#Strictly #SCD That’s now four times Johannes has started too early…or is it a YTS cameraman starting too late..?!” a seventh questioned, while an eighth commented: “This is a disaster @bbcstrictly. Josh and Johannes are not working at all. Not one bit. Johannes talking whilst they’re coming up the stairs?! You’re going to lose long time viewers rapidly. #Strictly.” (sic)
There was some consolation amid the uproar, however. Some X users urged patience amond the BBC show’s fan base.
One argued: “I’m actually really enjoying Emma & Josh. Let them settle in for gods sake. Good to see the judges sparing with them #strictly.”
And another applauded: “Love the banter between Josh, Craig and Motsi #strictly.” (sic)