Strictly 2025 : Post Series Debrief And Christmas Special

[EineReiseDurchDieZeit]

In case anyone wants to keep chatting

It is really touch and go as to whether I’ll watch if I don’t like the new hosts @OfTheirOwn and I have been watching since S1 and I’ve been OP of the threads for a couple of years!

I couldn’t stand what strictly became by the end. Shrieking, like a kids TV show, just too gimmicky and silly. I said the last series would be my last. It would take a lot to change my mind.

Mail says Josh widdicombe confirmed alongside Emma Willis and Johannes
I do find him irritating but let's see.

What a backward step having 2 males and one female, especially as both males are very mediocre & me me me obsessed!

I will give it a go before deciding. I’ve never seen Emma Willis in anything before and I do like Josh Widdecombe (although I am disappointed it’s not still two women). Apparently Johannes has a backstage roving reporter type role - not sure about that but will wait and see. I’m just glad it’s not anyone I really don’t like so I don’t have to stop watching!

I suppose that’s why Johannes said something towards the end of the last series - can’t remember what it was now - that made it sound as if he was ready to leave the show; there was quite a lot of speculation on this thread iirc. I guess he already had an idea he wouldn’t be dancing this year.

Oh no ☹️ He's not my cup of tea. I was hoping for Mel Giedroyc.

They seem an odd mix

Has Josh ever indicated he's a fan of the show?

Mel Giedroyc being talked about as a possible Claudia replacement. She’d be a good combo for Emma Willis who’s dull but steady

Oh duhhh just seen DM article pretty much confirming Emma Josh & Jojo.
Josh is funny so I’m happy with that & Emma is safe & JoJo the wild card. Cool imo

At least they've got a funny guy in the mix - I can go with that.

If the Josh /Jojo thing is true, maybe they’re going for a complete refresh of the Claud role in order to avoid comparisons to her, which is what would have happened if Zoe or Mel had been offered the job.

Especially as Emma has a similar style and personality to Tess …. the “main presenter” replacement is like-for-like, so maybe they’re mixing things up elsewhere.

I’ve said before that the auditions and chemistry tests will have informed the decisions. So maybe viewers will be pleasantly surprised.

I just want BBC confirmation I don’t want any more speculation I’m sick of it. I also don’t know what to make of that combo in all honesty.

He was on the Xmas

Me neither (Sequins to you guys, just haven't switched back yet). I will continue watching as I find Winter too hard otherwise and will keep an open mind. But it has changed a lot and I am less keen on all the social media and luvviedom that goes on now. Vito and Dianne, looking at you. Humbug!
You have been a star doing the threads though, so stick with it a bit longer for us, lass! 💐 Never did hear from Polkadots, do wonder what happened to them.
Look forward to your new thread when announcements start getting underway xxx

I can't say I find him funny.

Hey @ComeOnPhilEarlySpringPlease good to see you again! Cheers

So this is weird Richard Osman just said on TRIE “the Strictly hosts will be announced today, you’ll know by the time this goes out on Tuesday”

Nope.

Josh Widdecombe is a truly terrible choice. His scripted and laboured joking on The Last Leg makes me cringe. Honestly, if it's true, what are the BBC thinking?

Strange. Shirley was on GMTV today saying the announcement will be out end of this week - then beginning of next & wld neither confirm or deny if it will be Josh & Emma 🤷‍♀️

I saw him on his live tour and found him very funny. Can we not give him a chance?

It looks very much like it’s going to be Emma, Josh and JoJo. I wish that the papers hadn’t spoiled the surprise

I think Josh is funny - he’s quick & clever & wont make it all about him unlike LaVoix or someone less experienced. All the GBBO, Pottery Throw Down, Sewing Bee shows have this sidekick format to talk to the contestants & create entertainment - much better a comedian who can perform that role than a presenter overcompensating with shouting or jokes about themself to entertain. At least it’s a change which the show overall really needs IMO.

It probably isn’t his choice to be scripted on The Last Leg and therefore isn’t representative of what he can do live.

He does live gigs where he is the only person on stage and has presumably had extensive auditions for Strictly. If they are willing to give him the role he must be deemed competent or even amazing by the producers.

I am sure the Beeb will sell it as Strictly continuing to break glass ceilings. Tess and Claudia were the first all female prime time presenting duo and now Strictly will have the first (as far as I know) prime time presenter with a disability (need to check am using correct terminology). Plus Jojo for ethnic and LGBTQ diversity and Emma is likely the senior presenter in terms of billing so good for gender equality.

Edited to say I am wrong and Josh does not have a disability despite being on The last Leg. I won’t edit out the whole paragraph to keep the continuity in case someone is already posting that I am wrong. But I am wrong!