Strictly launch pulls in huge 5.3 million viewers as fans deliver their verdict on new presenters

Strictly Come Dancing has got off to a flying start, with last night’s launch show attracting a massive 5.3 million viewers — around half of everyone watching television at the time.

Fans tuned into the epic two hour pre-recorded launch show to find out this year’s dance pairings. The impressive overnight figure will be a major boost for the BBC as the revamped series gets under way, and the audience is expected to grow further once catch-up viewing is taken into account.

But while the numbers suggest viewers were more than ready to welcome Strictly back, the reaction to the show’s brand-new presenting team was rather more mixed.

Emma Willis emerged as the clear favourite for many viewers, with fans praising the experienced presenter for looking comfortable and confident as she stepped into one of the biggest jobs in Saturday-night television.

Johannes Radebe also picked up plenty of praise. The former Strictly professional brought his trademark warmth and dance expertise to the role, although viewers were understandably watching closely as he made the huge leap from professional dancer to presenter.

It was Josh Widdicombe, however, who attracted the most criticism.

While some viewers enjoyed his humour and ability to keep things light, others felt the comedian looked less assured than his fellow presenters and struggled to find his rhythm in the glitzy Strictly environment.

The reaction leaves Widdicombe with plenty to work on before next Saturday’s first live show, when the pressure will increase considerably as the competition gets properly under way.

The new trio are taking over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down from Strictly at the end of last year. The BBC’s decision to replace the traditional presenting duo with Willis, Widdicombe and Radebe represents one of the biggest changes to the show in years.

And if last night’s audience figures are anything to go by, millions of viewers are prepared to give the new era a chance.

Now the presenters have just one week to settle into their new roles — and for Widdicombe in particular, brush up those presenting skills before the celebrities take to the dance floor for real.

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