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Richard Osman says Strictly's new presenter roles aren't working, suggests a reshuffle

After the first live show of the new series, Richard Osman said on The Rest is Entertainment podcast that Strictly's three-presenter roles need changing, and set out how he would rearrange them. The show's ratings fell from last year.

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

Updated (version 3). Rewritten with the latest reporting. Previously: “Richard Osman says Strictly's new presenter roles aren't working and suggests changes”.

Image: The Independent
Image: Radio Times
Image: Daily Mail

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The story, neutrally told

Richard Osman has said the new presenting set-up on Strictly Come Dancing is not working, and has said how he would change it. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe made their debut as hosts in the first live show on Saturday 26 September, taking over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Willis and Widdicombe presented from the dancefloor, while Radebe ran the post-performance interviews in the segment Winkleman used to front.

Osman said he understood why three presenters were chosen, but that Radebe is currently doing exactly what Winkleman did, working from two talking points from producers, which does not suit a trained dancer. His alternative: Willis presents solo by the main stage, Widdicombe takes over the interviews, and Radebe roams backstage to provide "extra content". He said Willis and Widdicombe do not work as a double act because "one is a comic" and "one is not". The Daily Mail quotes Osman saying Radebe needs something closer to It Takes Two, with more technical detail, and reports his request that celebrities stop introducing themselves with phrases such as "You'll probably know me for".

Osman also said he would trim the VT films by 30 seconds, and, according to The Independent, does not think the show is in crisis. The first live show averaged 4.8 million viewers on BBC One in overnight figures, below last year; the Mail puts last year's figure at 6.2 million and says it is the first time since 2019 the first live show rated below the launch show. A Strictly spokesman said it was the most-watched programme of the night, peaking at 5 million, and that overnight ratings do not show the full on-demand audience.

Reaction to the new hosts has been mixed, with Willis widely praised.

Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on.

Left1 outlet

Framing
Straightforward report of Osman's diagnosis and fix, with his reassurance that the show is not in crisis.
Emphasis
Osman's reasoning on Radebe and his proposed reshuffle.
Leaves out or plays down
No viewing figures or Strictly's response.
For example
“Willis rose to the challenge with success, while Widdombe and Radebe are yet to find their groove.” — The Independent

Centre1 outlet

Framing
Presents Osman's proposed role changes, with ratings and first-night scores as context.
Emphasis
The role swap plus leaderboard and schedule details.
Leaves out or plays down
Does not mention Osman's 'You'll probably know me for' complaint or the show's past controversies.
For example
“The first live show of the season, which featured performances from all 15 celebrities, averaged 4.8 million viewers on BBC One” — Radio Times

Right1 outlet

Framing
Leads with a ratings slump and viewer dissatisfaction, putting Osman's remarks against a backdrop of falling audiences and past controversies.
Emphasis
Ratings comparisons, the BBC's response, Osman's Radebe comments, past scandals.
Leaves out or plays down
Does not report Osman's suggested reshuffle of Willis and Widdicombe, the VT trim, or his view that the show is not in crisis.
Charged language
“ratings slump”“shaky start”“spare part”
For example
“after last weekend's ratings slump” — Daily Mail
“the decision didn't go down well with viewers” — Daily Mail