TV and radio presenter Gabby Logan has rushed to the defence of comedian Josh Widdicombe as The Last Leg star continues to face harsh backlash to his new Strictly role.
Saturday marked the first live show of the series, with 2026 becoming the first year without long-term presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Replacements Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Mr Widdicombe have prompted ongoing debate online, with particular focus aimed at the comedian.
Jockey and broadcaster Ed James shared a statement on social media defending Mr Widdicombe, with several famous faces, including Ms Logan, adding supportive comments.
Mr James posted a photo of the 43-year-old alongside a lengthy caption calling for “kindness.”
Presenter Gabby Logan defended the new BBC Strictly presenter
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PA“Seeing lots of stuff about Josh today on social media and in news outlets,” he began.
The journalist continued: “Wanted to share some thoughts and I realise I’m adding to the problem here as I’m doing exactly what I’m about to suggest we don’t do.. but why is he getting a hard time?
“It’s a TV show?! If you didn’t like him, switch off! Why feel the need to go online and give him a harsh time?
“He’s a great presenter, doing a massive job and was bound to have been b****y nervous. He’ll be just fine, so will SCD as it’s a brilliant show.
“Not sure how going online and having a go at him helps anyone… least of all Josh who’s just trying to the best job he can on one of the biggest platforms in the UK. Can we be a little kinder?
“And if you are tempted to open up social media and join the pile on… Go to the gym, have a glass of wine, spend some time outside and hopefully realise this really isn’t something to get all worked up about!” (sic)
Ms Logan was posted a comment under the post backing up the sentiment, sharing emojis of raising hands to express agreement.
Loose Women star Katie Piper also issued a supportive comment with clapping emojis.
Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe made their first live presenting debut on Strictly on Saturday night
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BBC
Many fans of the show followed suit with kind comments, with one writing: “I watched it and thought Josh did a great job, given the shoes he had to fill from Sir Bruce Forsyth, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.”
A second penned: “I think he’s good, I still think he would be better doing Claudia’s role as he can have some fun with the contestants but give him a chance of course he’s nervous is a huge live show, I’ve attended the live show and so much goes into it and it goes on for many hours including filming results. Tess and Claudia had been doing it for so many years.”
“Well said Ed. People are too quick to judge and criticise online without a thought for the person or their family and friends seeing it,” another shared.
“I’d love to see these keyboard warriors attempt over two hours of live TV. They have an earpiece with constant noise, they have autocue links they have to read whilst people are counting in their ear,” another pointed out.
Gabby Logan posted a supportive comment about Josh Widdicombe
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INSATGRAM – ED JAMES
Someone else asked: “Is it just me or is internet pile on, hate campaigns and bullying the new social media norm?
“This is all I’m seeing these days. With a new target every week! It’s like people just sit with anger inside them and anger at the world and use social media platforms to let it out on whoever the new target is that week.”
Others argued that, while they don’t want to critique Mr Widdicombe, they disagree with some of the BBC’s decisions regarding the new presenters.
“I have nothing against Josh, but he is the wrong casting for the show. That’s down to the producers,” one wrote.
Another added: “He isn’t getting slated, the BBC are for thinking 3 would be a good amount of presenters and Johannes up doing the natural ‘comedy’ in the Clauditorium. All I have seen is asking for Johannes to get back to dancing, Emma to be the presenter on the dance floor and Josh to be upstairs.”
Ms Daly and Ms Winkleman had both been involved in Strictly since it debuted on screens back in 2004, with the pair presenting the main show together for decades after Ms Winkleman took over from Mr Forsyth in 2014.