Brendan Cole Criticizes Josh Widdicombe's Strictly Debut: 'Like a Lamb'
Baca dalam 60 detik
- Brendan Cole menilai Josh Widdicombe tampil canggung saat debut sebagai co-host Strictly Come Dancing.
- Kritik muncul karena Josh bukan penari, melainkan komedian yang dipasangkan dengan presenter profesional.
- Cole meminta publik memberi kesempatan hingga pertunjukan utama, bukan hanya episode peluncuran.
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Brendan Cole has commented on Josh Widdicombe's debut as co-host of the show. According to Cole, the 43-year-old comedian looked like a "lamb" on stage, not because his abilities were poor, but because his position among the experienced presenters did not quite fit.
Widdicombe was introduced as the new co-host last weekend, alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe. Cole, who was a professional dancer on Strictly between 2004 and 2017, judged that the combination of Radebe's flamboyant style and Willis's assertiveness made Widdicombe's appearance feel awkward. "He's not a dancer, he's a comedian. He's a good and entertaining presenter, but on a show like Strictly, his presence feels a little out of context," Cole told The Sun.
Despite the criticism, Cole urged viewers not to rush to judgment. He stressed that the episode that just aired was the launch show, so Widdicombe's performance on the regular show has yet to be seen. "As a presenter, you're just given a script and you deliver it. I wouldn't want to be in his position," he added.
Before his appointment, an industry source called Widdicombe the ideal candidate to fill the comedy gap left by Claudia Winkleman. According to the source, Widdicombe passed the chemistry test and was deemed a good fit because of his skill on live shows and his awkward yet entertaining humor. Emma Willis was projected to fill the role of a senior figure like Tess Daly.
"He entered the running late, but he passed the chemistry test well. Josh is very skilled on live TV thanks to his experience hosting The Last Leg," the source said.
The criticism of Widdicombe highlights a unique dynamic in the entertainment television industry: when a comedian is placed in a dance competition format laden with expectations. Strictly Come Dancing is not just a talent showcase, but also family viewing that relies on a balance between professionalism and entertainment. Widdicombe's presence is expected to bring freshness, but the pressure to perform seamlessly alongside veteran presenters is a challenge in itself.
For Indonesian viewers, this phenomenon reflects how global reality and competition shows continue to evolve in crafting their presenter formulas. At home, similar programs such as Indonesian Idol or The Voice also often combine hosts and comedians to maintain viewing momentum. The criticism Widdicombe has faced could be a lesson that the transition from comedian to live host is not always smooth, especially when paired with established figures.
Going forward, will Widdicombe be able to prove himself in the coming episodes, or will similar criticism continue to follow? The public will likely have to wait until the regular show begins to judge fairly. What is clear is that experiments with presenter roles on big entertainment shows always leave room for debate between audience taste and the demands of professionalism.
