Brendan Cole, former Strictly Come Dancing professional, has voiced concerns about the BBC’s recent announcement of new hosts for the iconic ballroom show. The veteran dancer expressed doubts over the suitability of the freshly revealed presenting team, which includes Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe, and suggested that Anton Du Beke would have been the natural choice to lead.
Earlier this month, the BBC confirmed that Emma, Johannes, and Josh would take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, marking a major shake-up in the programme’s presenting line-up. While the announcement generated buzz, it also sparked debate over whether the new hosts possess the qualities necessary to maintain the elegance and appeal that Strictly has built over the years.
Speaking to Sky Vegas, Cole emphasized his view that Anton Du Beke, a long-standing judge and professional dancer on the show, would have been the ideal lead. “I probably would have gone with Anton Du Beke as the lead host,” he said. “He feels like the natural fit because he understands the DNA of Strictly better than almost anyone.”
Cole pointed out that Anton’s years of experience as a dancer and judge give him unique insight into both the ballroom and Latin disciplines. He knows the contestants, understands the pressures they face, and has a connection with the audience that few others can match. “He’s been part of the show for years, he knows ballroom and Latin inside out, and he understands the contestants and the pressure they’re under,” Cole added.
While Cole praised Emma Willis as “an excellent presenter” who could inject freshness into the show, he suggested that her skills might be better utilized in a role similar to Claudia Winkleman’s, while Anton would take on the main presenting responsibilities. The former dancer also questioned whether moving Johannes Radebe from professional dancer to presenter was the best decision, citing concerns about his ability to maintain the show’s core appeal.
“Johannes is obviously incredibly flamboyant and very showbiz in everything he does—the way he dresses, talks, and carries himself,” Cole said. “If that’s the direction the producers want to lean into, maybe they’ve nailed it. If they’re aiming for something more grounded and focused on the couples and the behind-the-scenes emotion, I’m not so sure.”
Cole reflected on what he sees as the core strengths of Strictly: a blend of elegance, high-class entertainment, and escapism that appeals to middle-aged and older viewers, particularly women and families. He lamented the show’s increasing focus on comedy and silliness, suggesting that it has moved away from its traditional values. “I’ve always thought Strictly’s strength was its core audience… Strictly became special because it embraced old-school entertainment, elegance, and escapism,” he explained.
Regarding Josh Widdicombe, Cole acknowledged his talents as a comedian and clever presenter but questioned whether hosting a ballroom and Latin competition suits his skill set. He argued that the ideal host should be a “triple threat”—someone who can sing, dance, and act, with a deep understanding of show business and live performance. “Strictly is shiny-floor Saturday night television at its best. What Sir Bruce Forsyth brought was class, authority, and old-school entertainment magic,” he said.
Cole emphasized that Anton Du Beke meets these criteria. With his extensive experience and strong connection to the show, he could have guided the new presenters while also maintaining the show’s traditional charm. Cole suggested that Anton could have transitioned into hosting while allowing a “feistier” personality to occupy his judging seat, creating a balance between continuity and fresh energy.
Despite the shake-up, Cole acknowledged that the new presenting trio will likely generate curiosity and initial interest. “Audiences are quite fickle—they’ll get on board quickly if the show works,” he said. “The new presenting lineup will create curiosity at the beginning, and people will tune in to see what’s changed.”
However, he warned that sustaining audience engagement will be the real challenge. Ratings for Strictly have fluctuated over the past few years, and while a revamped presenting team may give the programme an initial boost, long-term success will depend on whether the show delivers genuine entertainment and emotional resonance.
Cole’s commentary highlights the delicate balance the BBC must strike in maintaining Strictly’s legacy while attracting new viewers. The introduction of Emma, Johannes, and Josh represents a bold gamble, mixing established presenting talent with fresh faces drawn from dance and comedy backgrounds. The reception from longtime fans and casual viewers alike will ultimately determine whether the gamble pays off.
In conclusion, Cole stressed the importance of understanding Strictly’s essence. For him, the programme’s magic lies in its blend of class, dance expertise, and live entertainment. Anton Du Beke’s experience, familiarity with contestants, and audience rapport make him uniquely suited to preserve these qualities in a lead hosting role. Only time will tell whether the new presenting team can live up to these expectations while keeping the show engaging for both old and new viewers.
Source: Entertainment Daily UK
