Josh Widdicombe opens up on BBC Strictly presenting team amid launch episode backlash: ‘There are no egos’

“We feel like a team where there’s no ego,” he said. “That there’s no one wanting to put themselves out front more than the others.”

Mr Widdicombe highlighted how the three presenters each bring distinct personalities that complement one another naturally.

He was particularly effusive about his fellow hosts, stating: “Emma and Johannes are just so generous, sweet and funny they make working on Strictly feel even more exciting and joyous to me.”

Mr Radebe, 39, offered his own take on what makes the partnership work, praising both of his co-presenters for being “both completely themselves.”

The professional dancer singled out Ms Willis for her broadcasting prowess, calling her “a formidable broadcaster” with “this incredible ability to make everything look effortless, while being incredibly precise and prepared.”

Of Mr Widdicombe, he said: “Joshy is just brilliantly funny, he has this wonderful ability to find the joke without forcing it.”

Mr Radebe acknowledged that establishing the right chemistry as a threesome has been a process. “For me, it’s been about finding our rhythm as a trio,” he explained.

“I’m learning so much from both of them, and I think we bring very different energies to the show. That’s what makes it exciting.”

Ms Willis, 50, was equally warm in her appraisal of the two men she now shares presenting duties with.

She described Mr Widdicombe and Mr Radebe as “both so down to earth, humble, funny, lovely guys who both love Strictly with a passion and are here to do a great job and have fun”.

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The veteran broadcaster suggested the connection between the three was instant. “I think that’s all anyone would want — they’re just fab and we kind of gelled from the moment we met,” she said.

Mr Widdicombe also reflected on the experience of presenting the launch episode, describing it as the “most brilliantly terrifying thing I’ve done.”

The comedian revealed the sheer intensity of the occasion left him physically drained, saying: “I had so much adrenaline on the night that I had to have two naps the day after!”

He admitted the magnitude of the role only truly hit him once the cameras were rolling.

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“I don’t think at any point since getting the job had it felt real until we heard the music start up and Alan Dedicoat say our names,” he said.

“The whole thing was a mix of joy and exhaustion off the back of fear and totally and utterly thrilling.”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s first live show, Mr Widdicombe said he expected it to feel “utterly surreal” but hoped the nerves would never fully subside. “Hosting something like this should be the best kind of terrifying,” he added.

Strictly Come Dancing returns for its first live programme of the new series on Saturday at 6.15pm on BBC One and iPlayer.