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Emma Willis posts 'judged either way' quote amid criticism of Strictly's new hosting line-up

After Strictly's first live show, Emma Willis shared an Instagram quote about being judged, which outlets read as a reply to criticism of the new three-host format. Coverage differs on whether the focus is the format, the co-hosts or ratings.

4 outlets · 1L · 0C · 3R First reported Account updated

Updated (version 3). New coverage since the last version from Daily Express. Previously: “Emma Willis posts 'judged either way' quote after mixed reaction to Strictly's new hosts”.

Image: The Independent
Image: Daily Mail
Image: GB News
Image: Daily Express

1 / 4

The story, neutrally told

On Tuesday, Emma Willis shared backstage photos on Instagram, one showing the quote "You'll get judged either way, so may as well pick the fun option." Outlets read it as a response to criticism of the new presenting trio of Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe after Saturday's first live show. Willis did not name any critics, so this is an interpretation. Willis and Widdicombe presented from the dance floor, where Tess Daly used to stand, while Radebe interviewed contestants in the spot Claudia Winkleman filled.

Viewers' complaints centred on the set-up, with some calling Widdicombe a "spare part" and saying three hosts were too many. Willis was reported to have largely avoided criticism. The Express said Willis had been accused of "carrying" her co-hosts, while the Independent said she was being widely praised. Richard Osman said on his podcast that Widdicombe, as a comedian, might suit the contestant interviews better, and that Radebe could use his dance background as a backstage reporter.

Judge Motsi Mabuse defended the hosts on Threads, urging viewers to value "imperfectly human" presenters. The Daily Mail reported that 4.8 million watched the first live show, down from 6.2 million last year. A Strictly spokesman said it was the night's most-watched programme and that overnight figures omit on-demand viewing. Winkleman commented on Willis's post calling her a "knockout". Daly and Winkleman left after the 2025 series.

Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on.

Left1 outlet

Framing
Frames the story around teething problems in the new hosting format. It notes Willis's praise and quotes Osman's analysis and Mabuse's defence.
Emphasis
Format analysis, Osman's suggested fix, Mabuse's AI comment, contestant scores.
Leaves out or plays down
Does not mention the ratings drop or the BBC's response.
Charged language
“cryptic Instagram post”“lukewarm response”
For example
“The new era of Strictly experienced teething issues as it tried to work out how to organise its leading trio.” — The Independent

Centre0 outlets

No centre outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.

Right3 outlets

Framing
Presents the post as Willis hitting back at a backlash. Coverage highlights viewer complaints, the 'spare part' jibe and fan support, and the Mail adds a ratings slump.
Emphasis
Viewer tweets, Widdicombe missing cues, fan support for Willis, ratings decline (Mail), Mabuse's plea (GB News).
Leaves out or plays down
Does not mention Osman's suggestions (except that GB News cites Vincent Simone). Only the Mail gives the BBC's ratings response.
Charged language
“fires back”“veiled dig at social media trolls”“furious BBC viewers”“rating slump”“spare part”
For example
“Presenter Emma Willis has seemingly responded to some of the negative feedback” — GB News
“Emma Willis has responded to Strictly criticism with a cryptic post after the live show suffered a ratings slump.” — Daily Mail
“Emma has broken her silence with a veiled dig at social media trolls.” — Daily Express