- Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has publicly defended new co-host Josh Widdicombe, describing him as "brilliant at his job" after his presenting style received mixed reviews from viewers and critics.
- Widdicombe joined the BBC flagship entertainment show this series as part of a new presenting trio alongside broadcaster Emma Willis and former Strictly professional Johannes Radebe.
- The new hosting team stepped into the roles following the departure of long-standing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced their exit last year after more than a decade leading the programme.
- Speaking on the red carpet at the Pride of Britain Awards, Ballas remarked that the revamped presenting line-up has given the long-running family favourite a "fresh" feel.
- The series reached its fifth week with its third elimination, which saw Dame Sarah Storey and her dance partner Julian Caillon leave the competition after losing the dance-off to actor Bethany Antonia and partner Nancy Xu.
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