Strictly judge Shirley Ballas defends Josh Widdicombe amid criticism

Ballas said the new presenting line‑up feels fresh as fans debate Widdicombe's role on the revived series.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 19 Oct 2026 22:43:59 GMT

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas defended co‑host Josh Widdicombe, calling him "brilliant at his job" while fans continue to debate the new presenting trio.

What happened

At the Pride of Britain Awards red carpet, Ballas told the Press Association that she shares a changing room with Widdicombe and described him as humorous, a gentleman and kind. She added that the revamped presenting team – Widdicombe, broadcaster Emma Willis and former professional dancer Johannes Radebe – has given the long‑running show a "fresh" feel. Ballas also said, "It’s mixed up but it feels great. It feels fresh. Still one of those bigger shows where people tune into for all the family. So it’s great." The series is now in its fifth week and had its third elimination, with Dame Sarah Storey and partner Julian Caillon leaving after a dance‑off loss to actor Bethany Antonia and partner Nancy Xu.

What the reports add

The Independent article published at 20:04 UTC notes the fifth‑week status and details the scores: Storey and Caillon earned 21 points for their tango, placing them bottom of the leaderboard, while Antonia and Xu earned 27 points for their cha‑cha‑cha and were saved by the judges.
The later Independent bulletin (20:45 UTC) repeats Ballas’s defence and adds that the new presenting line‑up has given the family favourite a "fresh" feel, confirming the same elimination outcome.
Both pieces confirm that the presenting trio replaced long‑standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who departed after more than a decade.

What was said

“I have a changing room just down from Josh. He is humorous. He is a gentleman. He is kind and I think he’s brilliant at his job.”

— Shirley Ballas, speaking to the Press Association on the Pride of Britain Awards red carpet, as reported by the Independent.

How it came about

The new trio stepped into the roles after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their exit last year, ending a decade‑long presenting partnership. Earlier coverage highlighted criticism of the trio, including judge Motsi Mabuse’s cheeky remark to Widdicombe during the opening live show and Matt Willis defending Emma Willis on This Morning. The presenting changes have been a focal point of viewer discussion since the series began, with mixed reactions to Widdicombe’s style and the addition of former professional Johannes Radebe as a presenter.

Key facts

Shirley Ballas described Josh Widdicombe as "brilliant at his job". (independent.co.uk)
Ballas made the comment on the red carpet at the Pride of Britain Awards. (independent.co.uk)
The new presenting trio consists of Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe. (independent.co.uk)
The series reached its fifth week with the elimination of Dame Sarah Storey and Julian Caillon. (independent.co.uk)