Motsi Mabuse wades into BBC Strictly presenter backlash with plea to furious BBC viewers: ‘Real emotions!’
Motsi Mabuse has come to the defence of the show’s new presenting line-up, pleading with viewers to show more compassion following a wave of online criticism.
The 45-year-old, who has sat on the judging panel since 2019, took to Threads to address the backlash directed at hosts Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe after Saturday’s opening live show.
The Strictly Come Dancing judge wrote: “While people type away, tearing apart real human beings on television, real emotions!!!!!!!
“AI is getting better at replacing them. One day we might not even know the difference. And maybe then we’ll miss the days when television was still beautifully, imperfectly human.”
Motsi Mabuse has defended the new line-up
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BBCMs Mabuse currently judges alongside Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke.
Saturday’s debut live programme saw the new trio step into the shoes of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who left the BBC series at the conclusion of the 2025 run.
The 43-year-old comedian joined Ms Willis, 50, on the dancefloor, while former professional dancer Mr Radebe chatted with contestants in the auditorium.
The arrangement proved divisive among the audience at home.
Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe have taken over presenting duties on Strictly
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BBC
Many viewers felt Mr Widdicombe was unnecessary alongside the more experienced Ms Willis, with some branding him a “spare part”.
His difficulties were compounded when eagle-eyed fans spotted him missing his cue twice during the broadcast, fuelling further criticism on social media.
The pair had already shared a playful moment during the live show itself.
As Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey and professional partner Julian Caillon received their critiques, Ms Mabuse told Mr Revel Horwood she actually agreed with his typically sharp assessment for once.
Ms Mabuse has been a judge on Strictly Come Dancing since 2019
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BBC
Mr Revel Horwood responded: “Great…we can move on to Shirley [Ballas] then!”
Ms Mabuse laughed before insisting: “Well, I have to do my job too!”
Mr Widdicombe then cheekily called out, “Shirley!” as though bypassing Ms Mabuse’s comments entirely, prompting the judge to fire back: “Well, are we going to be friends or enemies? You choose now!”
The studio audience erupted as both laughed off the exchange.
Despite the criticism, Mr Widdicombe did win over some fans with a witty “change partners” gag, a nod to the musical chairs-style format used to reveal the celebrity-professional pairings during the launch episode.
Standing on the dance floor looking bewildered as Ms Willis, Mr Radebe and Mr Craig gathered around him, he cried out, “change partners,” sending viewers into fits of laughter.
Many viewers felt the three-host format was the problem rather than Mr Widdicombe himself.
Josh Widdicombe faced criticism from some viewers following his Strictly presenting debut
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GETTY
Numerous fans suggested he and Mr Radebe should swap positions, arguing the comedian would be better suited to the auditorium role where he could banter freely with contestants, while Ms Willis could command the main floor solo.
No contestant faces elimination this week, with scores from the opening round carrying over and combining with next week’s marks ahead of the first departure next Sunday.
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