Shirley Ballas Defends Josh Widdicombe as Strictly Host

Shirley Ballas has defended Josh Widdicombe amid criticism of his presenting style on the BBC dance competition Strictly Come Dancing, praising the comedian's professionalism and the show's new hosting team. Speaking to the Press Association at the Pride of Britain Awards, the 66-year-old head judge said Widdicombe had made a positive impression as the series adjusted to a major presenting change.

Widdicombe joined broadcaster Emma Willis and former professional dancer Johannes Radebe as co-hosts after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman departed following more than a decade presenting the program together. The new lineup has drawn mixed reactions from viewers, with criticism of Widdicombe intensifying after a live-show mistake in late September.

Ballas described Widdicombe as a personable colleague who was well suited to the role.

"I have a changing room just down from Josh. He is humorous. He is a gentleman." Ballas told the Press Association.

She continued by emphasizing her confidence in his abilities and his treatment of colleagues.

"He is kind and I think he's brilliant at his job." Ballas said.

The controversy surrounding Widdicombe has prompted some viewers to suggest Ellie Taylor as an alternative host. Taylor received a positive response for her appearance on the companion program Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, according to coverage of the audience reaction.

Ballas also welcomed the broader changes to the long-running entertainment show, arguing that the new team had brought renewed energy while preserving its appeal to family audiences.

"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." Ballas said.

The judge said she had enjoyed working with the presenters and noted that the celebrity contestants were settling into the competition.

"I've had the best time with the new presenters, and the cast is such an even playing field. Everybody's getting into the groove now." Ballas said.

Strictly Come Dancing had reached its fifth week when its third celebrity elimination took place on Sunday night. Dame Sarah Storey and Julian Caillon were eliminated after facing House of the Dragon actress Bethany Antonia and professional dancer Nancy Xu in the dance-off.

Ballas leads the judging panel, which includes Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke. The series lineup also features reality television personality Dani Dyer, singer Delta Goodrem, sports pundit Shaun Wright-Phillips and broadcaster Will Best.