Overview
- The new hosting team of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe made their live debut on Saturday in a split‑duty set‑up that placed Willis and Widdicombe by the judges and Radebe on the balcony.
- The first live episode delivered strong overnight ratings with about 4.8 million viewers on average and a peak near five million, which a Strictly spokesperson called the most‑watched programme of the night.
- Judges scored John Nellis and partner Katya Jones highest with 31 points for their foxtrot while Melanie Walters, Shaun Wright‑Phillips and Dame Sarah Storey finished in a three‑way tie on 15 points.
- Viewer reaction focused quickly on the presenting format with widespread social‑media criticism aimed at Widdicombe and Radebe, Emma Willis posting upbeat comments on Instagram, and several public figures issuing public defenses of Widdicombe.
- The change follows a discreet audition process after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman left in 2025, producers are testing the three‑person model, and judges' marks from the live show will be carried into the first public voting week when the show returns for Movie Week.