New hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe

The 22nd series of Strictly Come Dancing has begun with new presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe. According to a review in The Guardian, the trio's 'can't-quite-believe-we-got-the-gig' humility and superfan credentials have struck the right note for the show's fresh start.

Josh Widdicombe admitted feeling overwhelmed but delighted after the opening number. Emma Willis called it an honour and said she felt she should curtsy to the judges. Johannes Radebe, previously a professional dancer on the show, brought a more restrained and elegant presence compared to his co-hosts.

The launch show itself followed a familiar, somewhat tedious format with minimal dancing and many unfamiliar celebrity faces. The review notes that the professional dancers may now be better known than some of their celebrity partners for this series.

The Celebrity Lineup

The celebrity contestants for the new series were described as a 'pitiful' lineup by the source. It includes several figures the reviewer suggested would draw a 'no, me neither' response from the public.

However, the lineup also features some notable names. They include Dame Sarah Storey, Britain's most successful Paralympian, former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, and actor Jaime Winstone. Actor Bethany Antonia, from HBO's House of the Dragon, is also a contestant.

A Show's Enduring Impact

Bethany Antonia highlighted the cultural impact of Strictly Come Dancing. She told fellow contestants that watching boxer Nicola Adams dance with Katya Jones in the show's first same-sex pairing in 2020 was a significant part of her coming out journey. She was encouraged by watching her family's positive reaction every Saturday night.

Antonia has been paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu. The review notes that every pairing looked ecstatic, as nobody is allowed to appear disappointed.

New Format and Professional Dancers

The series introduces five new professional dancers. It also features a new 'speed-dating' style method for forming the celebrity-professional pairs, which involves the celebrities swapping partners until a couple is finalized. The source found this only slightly less dull than the old method.

The couples are now set. The review personally favoured the pairing of Jaime Winstone with last year's professional winner, Carlos Gu.

The new presenting team has had its soft launch in the pre-recorded opening show. The review states that while it is not convinced the show needs three hosts, the early signs are positive. Emma Willis is called a class act, Josh Widdicombe works best when gently ribbing contestants, and Johannes Radebe brings a welcome air of gentle benevolence to primetime television.