Strictly’s Josh Widdicombe leaves fans unimpressed as they complain he’s made ‘zero effort’ for the show’s Halloween special – amid reports the host line-up will change next series

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left unimpressed by Josh Widdicombe on Saturday night as they complained he made ‘zero effort’ for the show’s Halloween special.

The BBC programme kicked off its annual spooky spectacular amid week six with the judges pulling out all the stops with their hair-raising costumes, while the contestants also dressed to impress.

Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe made somewhat of an effort, with the brunette beauty rocking a devilish red dress, while the dancer opted for a gothic-style ruffled co-ord. 

However, Josh chose to don a simple navy suit for the special occasion, leaving viewers to moan that he hadn’t ‘bothered’ as they noted he failed to ‘get the memo’. 

It’s long been known that former hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman didn’t dress up for the show’s Halloween specials due to a 2014 incident in which the latter’s then eight-year-old daughter Matilda suffered burns after her witch costume caught fire when it brushed against a candle.

But fans were not happy that the newcomer failed to get into the spirit of the season, with many taking to X to air their views. 

The BBC programme kicked off its annual spooky spectacular amid week six with the judges pulling out all the stops with their hair-raising costumes, while the contestants also dressed to impress

They penned: ‘Josh couldn’t be bothered to get dressed up for Halloween? Or is just scary enough as it is.’

‘Josh: zero effort Emma: hair is awful JoJo: more frilly than frightening.’

‘Did Josh not get the Halloween memo?’

‘Disappointed the hosts didn’t really dress up for Halloween. I guess Emma and Johannes have a Halloween vibe but Josh hasn’t bothered. I understood why Tess & Claudia didn’t because of what happened to Claudia’s daughter but surely the new hosts could make an effort.’

‘Josh could have at least made an effort with dressing up a bit for Halloween.’

‘Josh has dressed up a treat for Halloween I see He appears to have come as… himself!’  

It comes as earlier this week, the Daily Mail reported the presenting line-up will be changed for next year’s series. 

Accomplished presenter Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe were deemed to have the chemistry needed to bring a new dawn to the BBC One dance show.

Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe made somewhat of an effort, but Josh chose to don a simple navy suit for the special occasion

Former hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman didn’t dress up for the show’s Halloween specials due to a 2014 incident in which the latter’s then eight-year-old daughter Matilda suffered burns after her witch costume caught fire when it brushed against a candle

But fans were not happy that the newcomer failed to get into the spirit of the season, with many taking to X to air their views

But after four weeks of them following in the footsteps of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, BBC chiefs have already come to the conclusion that the trio will have to change for next year’s series. 

Sources connected with the show say bosses are ‘aware’ that the programme has become a ‘laughing stock’ and are considering whether the wrong people were hired – and whether having three anchors was a mistake. 

‘When Emma, Josh and Johannes entered that room, they were seen to be the dream,’ said a BBC source. ‘Those at the BBC who didn’t see them were shocked and didn’t believe it could work.

‘That view stands, it doesn’t work. Not only have many of the traditional viewers stopped watching, the show has become the butt of jokes, a laughing stock.

‘It’s like those choosing were trying to be kooky and cool, and they saw something that might appeal to young people.

‘Emma is a very experienced presenter but Josh looks like he’s hanging around her like an uncool boy at school and she doesn’t want him near her. That might be funny in other shows, but this is Strictly, the biggest show on Saturday-night television.

‘It should be slicker, in the view of many at the top of the BBC, so there are changes afoot. There were so many brilliant presenters to choose from – Zoe Ball and Rylan Clark, for example – but they went for this lot.’ Senior BBC bosses have started canvassing opinions from industry figures about what to do next year.

However, a BBC spokesman insisted any talk of changes for next year was ‘pure and utter speculation’.

Meanwhile, kicking off the proceedings this week was Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakley as they did the Samba to Coconut by Harry Nilsson

Craig wanted ‘a bit more fluidity in the bounce’, while noting the footwork was ‘sticky’, meanwhile, Motsi loved the fact he was ‘leading’ the dance

After bagging the first 10 of the series, Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdington were hoping to impress again with their Viennese Waltz to Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers

Shirley moaned that there was too much ‘toe work’, but Craig maintained that the dance was ‘gaw-jus’, with Delta and Kai bagging 33 points in total

Last week’s leaderboard toppers Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita hit the dancefloor next with a Quickstep to Black Magic by Little Mix

However they pair failed to emulate their success as their performance was littered with mistakes and the judges were quick to point this out

Up next was John Nellis and Katya Jones doing the Tango to DANCE… by Slayyyter

Craig said: ‘you nailed that’ and Motsi told him ‘I love the way you lead’. But Shirley had the biggest praise as she enthused: ‘I’ve never seen slows like that’, adding it made her night

Meanwhile, kicking off the proceedings this week was Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakley as they did the Samba to Coconut by Harry Nilsson. 

Craig wanted ‘a bit more fluidity in the bounce’, while noting the footwork was ‘sticky’, meanwhile, Motsi loved the fact he was ‘leading’ the dance. 

The pair, who went all out for the evening by being painted green, scored 25 points for their routine. 

After bagging the first 10 of the series, Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdington were hoping to impress again with their Viennese Waltz to Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers.

Anton gushed that the routine was ‘sensational’ and while her heels and toes needed work, it was ‘otherwise practically perfect.’

Shirley moaned that there was too much ‘toe work’, but Craig maintained that the dance was ‘gaw-jus’, with Delta and Kai bagging 33 points in total. 

Last week’s leaderboard toppers Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita hit the dancefloor next with a Quickstep to Black Magic by Little Mix. 

However they pair failed to emulate their success as their performance was littered with mistakes and the judges were quick to point this out. 

Amid the feedback to her performance, Tabby responded: ‘I’m an athlete, I live for constructive criticism’. The pair earned 25 points for their dance.

Up next was John Nellis and Katya Jones doing the Tango to DANCE… by Slayyyter. 

Despite sweating away in his leather costume, the YouTuber pulled off a stellar routine

Craig said: ‘you nailed that’ and Motsi told him ‘I love the way you lead’. But Shirley had the biggest praise as she enthused: ‘I’ve never seen slows like that’, adding it made her night.

And John and Katya’s nights were surely made too as they bagged three 9s, earning an impressive 35 points in total.  

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2026: MEET THE CONTESTANTS

LACEY TURNER 

AGE: 38

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Stacey Slater on BBC’s EastEnders 

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’m so excited and terrified at the same time but I’ve had so many friends do Strictly and I thought it was about time that I plunked up the courage and made my way onto that dance floor.’

DELTA GOODREM

AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Played Nina Tucker in Neighbours and has released eight music albums

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career – from tv, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is however one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor!’

CACH MERCER

AGE: 25

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Won Love Island 2025 and is a TikTok influencer

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!’

DAME SARAH STOREY

AGE: 48

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Britain’s most successful Paralympian 

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.’

BETHANY ANTONIA 

AGE: 28

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill.’

GRAEME ‘THE DOGFATHER’ HALL

AGE: 59

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Channel 5 series Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have watched the show for years, so to be a part of it feels like a very exciting challenge, albeit more than a bit nerve-wracking!’

TABBY STOECKER 

AGE: 25

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Olympic champion skeleton racer

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve had the wildest year of my life so far, so to be rounding it off with a childhood dream of dancing in the Strictly ballroom is surreal and I can’t wait to get stuck in!’

MELANIE WALTERS 

AGE: 64

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Gwen West in BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Performing in Pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly ‘fix’ has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room.’

DANI DYER

AGE: 30

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Winning Love Island and being the daughter of actor Danny Dyer

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!’

CHRIS APPLETON

AGE: 43

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hairdresser to the stars – including Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience. I’ve always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new.’

WILL BEST

AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Big Brother and previously TV

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait!’

JAIME WINSTONE

AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Starring in films such as Kidulthood and Tomb Raider

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me.’

SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS 

AGE: 44

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Footballer who played for the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I’m super excited to get started and really looking forward to the challenge!’

LAWRENCE ROBB

AGE: 34

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Mackenzie Boyd on ITV’s Emmerdale

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I can’t quite believe that I am going to be getting my dancing shoes on this September on one of my favourite shows of all time!’

JOHN NELLIS 

AGE: 33

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Face of a popular football-focused YouTube channel

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I can’t wait to meet everyone, learn a new skill and, hopefully, be much better at family parties by the end of it!’