Craig Revel Horwood Endorses New Strictly Come Dancing Hosts
The veteran judge praises the fresh energy brought by the show's new presenting trio.
1Transitioning the hosting team
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has publicly shared his verdict on the show's new presenting trio. Replacing long-term hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, the new team consists of Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis, and Johannes Radebe. Revel Horwood admitted the initial transition felt like a jolt to the established production family.
2Positive feedback on performance
Despite the initial adjustment period, Revel Horwood expressed that he is really loving the current season. He specifically highlighted Josh Widdicombe’s humor and Emma Willis’s professional demeanor. Furthermore, he noted that having Johannes Radebe upstairs is beneficial, as Radebe is the first host in the show's history who is an accomplished dancer.
3Evolution of show dynamics
Revel Horwood, who has served as a judge since 2004, believes that embracing change is essential for the show's longevity. He argues that the production must evolve alongside shifting trends in fashion, music, and culture. This willingness to adapt allows the program to maintain its relevance and stay at the top of its game.
4Experimental elimination formats
The show recently experimented with a controversial format during Halloween Week, requiring judges to vote for who they wanted to send home. Although Revel Horwood described the atmosphere in the room as weird, he expressed a strong desire to see this specific elimination method adopted more frequently in future episodes of the series.
5Declining viewership metrics
Despite the judge's positive outlook, critics have raised concerns regarding the show's performance. The Independent reported that the launch episode attracted 4.8 million viewers, a significant decrease from the 6.2 million recorded last year. Weekly ratings currently range between 5 and 6 million, falling short of the 7 million average seen in 2025.
6Critical reception of changes
Critic Rachel McGrath has described the current series as a damp squib, suggesting that the production is not running as smoothly as executives had hoped. She points to the dip in viewing figures as clear evidence that audiences are not entirely satisfied with the recent changes implemented by the show's production team this year.
7Relationship building on set
Reflecting on the early days of the new season, Revel Horwood acknowledged that the atmosphere was initially tentative. He compared the development of the new hosting dynamic to a relationship that requires time to mature. He now believes the team has moved past those early hurdles and everyone understands their specific roles effectively.
8Future of the franchise
The long-term success of Strictly Come Dancing remains tied to its ability to introduce new dances, styles, and diverse performers annually. While ratings currently face downward pressure, the production continues to prioritize fresh energy. Whether these creative adjustments will eventually stabilize viewership numbers remains a key point of interest for industry observers.