Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse criticises fans for ‘tearing apart’ presenters in cruel backlash

| Senior TV Reporter Published September 30, 2026 8:11am Updated September 30, 2026 8:25am Motsi Mabuse has now offered a strong rebuttal to the new hosts’ detractors (Picture: BBC) Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse has hit back at critics of the rejigged BBC One show in a new social media post. So far at least, the question of whether Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe would be able to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as hosts has been met with a ‘no’. After two shows, the launch show and then the first live show, Willis has been applauded by viewers, but her two co-hosts have received a less warm reception. Widdicombe has looked ill at ease and been criticised for speaking over his fellow co-hosts and judges. Radebe, who is new to the world of live TV presenting, hasn’t yet displayed Winkleman’s trademark diffusing repartee while manning the Claudatorium. But Mabuse, who has served on the Strictly judging panel since 2019, has now offered a strong rebuttal to the new hosts’ detractors. Get personalised updates on Strictly Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Writing on Threads, she said: ‘While people type away, tearing apart real human beings on television, real emotions !!!!!!!’ Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe have been met with mixed reviews as hosts (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire) To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video She continued: ‘AI is getting better at replacing them. One day we might not even know the difference. ‘And maybe then we’ll miss the days when television was still beautifully, imperfectly human.’ In the comments section, Liz McGough wrote that her words were ‘beautifully said’, while Shane commented: ‘Absolutely! Much love.’ The first live show of the new Strictly series attracted a peak of 5million viewers, the BBC said in an announcement earlier this week. The first live show of the new Strictly series attracted a peak of 5million viewers (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire) Over the course of the two-and-a-half-hour programme, an average of 4.8m viewers tuned in to watch the latest batch of stars perform live for the first time. The first live show, which did not include a public vote or elimination, went up against the UEFA Nations League England v Spain football match on ITV. In comparison, the first week’s launch episode had a peak of 5.8m viewers and an average of 5.3m. The first round of routines saw social media star John Nellis top the Strictly leaderboard with his partner Katya Jones, wowing the judges with a foxtrot to Alex Warren’s arguably overplayed track Ordinary. Deals of the Day I’ve found the Hoover gadget that could make cleaning your floors so much easier I tried L'Oréal Paris's new PDRN serum and my skin looked glossier after one use This new Cricut gadget turns your favourite photos into stickers in minutes From kitchen hatches to burgundy walls – the biggest home trends for 2027 Oodie’s cosy blanket sale has arrived just in time for Christmas shopping Strictly Come Dancing will return on BBC One on Saturday for movie week. Arrow MORE: Emma Willis hits back at Strictly host criticism as stars rally around Josh Widdicombe Arrow MORE: Gerry’s shock return to Blue Lights after season 1 death ‘will give fans closure’ Arrow MORE: Doctor Who fans horrified after BBC boss claims AI episode ‘was pretty good’ TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.