Rylan Clark, who has spent four years on sister show It Takes Two, has given his verdict on the divisive new Strictly Come Dancing presenting line-up
Rylan Clark has characterised the new Strictly Come Dancing presenting line-up as "different", urging audiences to "let everyone settle in". He's particularly well-positioned to comment on the controversial new line-up, having dedicated four years to sister programme It Takes Two and being close friends with new host Emma Willis.
Emma now leads the show alongside professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe, following the presenting reshuffle in September. They took over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who had been mainstays of the programme for years.
Emma and Josh are paired together for the live shows, with Johannes now positioned on the mezzanine in Claudia's former role — a three-host format that has received a mixed reception.
The Daily Express's Sasha Morris suggested Josh "felt like an awkward spare part", adding he looked like "the work experience boy". i columnist Sarah Carson also observed the trio "looked a little awkward as a three at times".
So where does Rylan, who auditioned for the job, stand on the revamped line-up? He told Heat magazine: "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.
"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.
"It's different, but just let everyone settle in, and by the end of the series, no one will be saying anything's different."
Rylan added that whoever assumed the position might still encounter criticism because it's a "different" format and people will have opinions, regardless of any changes made, so they should "enjoy it".
Rylan has also likened the chemistry tests to "GCSE Strictly".
He told Digital Spy there was a "little B&M sparkly cloth on a table", describing the experience as "really fun".
He told the outlet: "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.
"And I have seen a load of write-ups like, 'Just how bad did Rylan's chemistry tests go for him not to get the job?' And I'm like, 'It went really well, actually."
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