Rylan Clark Breaks Silence On Strictly Presenting Shake-Up – And Gives Josh Widdicombe A Very Clear Verdict After Losing Out On The Job

Rylan Clark has finally weighed in on Strictly Come Dancing’s controversial new presenting line-up, and he isn’t holding back his support for the people who got the roles he had auditioned for. Despite the criticism surrounding Josh Widdicombe, Rylan has delivered a firm endorsement of the comedian, insisting viewers need to give the revamped team time to find its feet.

Few people are better placed to judge the changes. Rylan spent four years presenting Strictly’s sister programme, It Takes Two, and remains particularly close to new host Emma Willis. He has also worked alongside Josh on The Last Leg and BBC Radio 2, giving him first-hand experience of the comedian’s presenting style.

Rylan’s One-Word Verdict On Josh Widdicombe

Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe took over Strictly’s presenting duties in September, replacing long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

The new arrangement has divided viewers. Emma and Josh present the live shows together, while Johannes occupies the mezzanine position previously held by Claudia, creating an unusual three-presenter format.

Not everyone has been convinced.

The Daily Express’s Sasha Morris described Josh as feeling like an “awkward spare part”, even comparing him to “the work experience boy”. Meanwhile, i Paper columnist Sarah Carson observed that the trio looked “a little awkward as a three” at times.

But Rylan has a very different take.

Speaking to Heat magazine, the former Strictly star made it clear that he was delighted when Emma landed the job, revealing that the pair spoke as soon as the news was announced.

“I worked there for four years, so I love the show to bits. The day that Emma Willis, my telly wife, got the job, we spoke, and I was just so over the moon for her – I still am,” he said.

And when it came to Josh, Rylan was equally enthusiastic.

“Josh Widdicombe, I think, is hilarious, and I’ve worked with him a few times on The Last Leg and at Radio 2. I think he’s doing a great job. I think Johannes Radebe is doing a fantastic job, too.”

Rather than joining the criticism, Rylan urged viewers to give the new presenters an opportunity to settle into their roles.

“It’s different, but just let everyone settle in, and by the end of the series, no one will be saying anything’s different.”

He also acknowledged that any new presenting arrangement was likely to attract opinions, particularly when it meant replacing familiar faces who had become such an established part of the programme. His advice to viewers was simple: enjoy the show.

Rylan Opens Up About Losing The Strictly Job

Rylan’s support for the new team comes despite having auditioned for the presenting position himself.

The television personality previously revealed that he took part in the so-called chemistry tests, describing the unusual audition experience as something resembling a school production.

Speaking to Digital Spy, he recalled finding a small, glittery piece of fabric from B&M laid out on a table.

“Like this little B&M sparkly cloth on a table, it was like a GCSE production, but it was really fun, and the chemistry tests went great, so I know that they just wanted to go for what they’ve gone for,” he explained.

Rylan also addressed speculation that his audition might have gone badly after he failed to secure the position.

He said he had seen several reports questioning just how poorly his chemistry tests must have gone for him to miss out on the job.

His response was unequivocal:

“And I’m like, ‘It went really well, actually.'”

Despite missing out on the role, Rylan appears to have no hard feelings towards the new presenting team. Instead, he has thrown his support behind Emma, Josh and Johannes, while making one point clear: a new Strictly line-up needs time before viewers decide whether it works.