Strictly viewers praise Johannes Radebe as they notice vast improvement in his presenting after making major change following critique

Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe was widely praised by fans for vastly improving on his presenting skills on Saturday.

Last week, viewers noted that the South African dancer, 39, began talking when the couples were making their way up the stairs to the ‘Clauditorium’ amid the audience applause, meaning fans were unable to hear what was being said.

However, as week two kicked off, the popular star appears to have taken note of the feedback and waited for the applause to die down before beginning his segment – and viewers were very impressed. 

Taking to X, fans were quick to point out Johannes’ vast improvement, and noted that he’s clearly paid attention to the criticism.

They shared: ‘Nice to see they’ve not had JoJo talk over the cheers while the couple was making their way upstairs. That’s an improvement I guess. It feels like they’re listening. A little.’

‘JoJo 100% waiting for the pros to get upstairs before saying ANYTHING this week’

‘Thank heavens Johannes has refrained from trying to talk over the applause as the couples walk up the stairs.’

‘Now that’s better! JoJo waiting until couples are up before talking. Much better than last week.’

‘Def took notes from viewers comments I think, as Johannes waiting till they got up to him before speaking.’

‘Nice to that JoHannes (JoJo) is much improved on #Strictly from last week. Calmer. Less nervous. Giving guests room to breathe and talk. Not talking when the couples are walking up the stairs. Good job, JoJo.’

Week two of Strictly saw the celebrities take on the Movie Week theme, with the stars performing numbers from films including The Devil Wears Prada, Mary Poppins and Zootropolis.

The scores from week one were added to their week two scores, giving them a combined overall total.  

Australian singer Delta Goodrem and her partner Kai Widdrington topped the leaderboard this week with their combined score of 59 points. 

Despite positive reviews of Johannes’ presenting skills, fans have been left frustrated on Saturday as producers failed to mix up the trio presenting format following last week’s criticism.

The new hosts – Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe – were no doubt feeling the pressure as they opened the show for week two, after the first live show’s presenting format was panned by viewers – with Josh branded a ‘spare part’.

However, instead of taking heed of fan comments, show bosses instead ploughed ahead with the original plan, leaving Josh and Emma presenting on the floor while Johannes was up in the ‘Clauditorium’.

Taking to X, viewers called out show bosses for ‘ignoring the public’ as they questioned why they hadn’t ‘listened’ to fan concerns. 

They penned: ‘So they ignored the public and kept Josh downstairs doing his work experience, will Jojo talk while they walk up the stairs?’

‘They’ve not changed the presenting situation then’

‘Josh is downstairs. They haven’t listened.’    

‘When we said Josh felt like a spare part downstairs, we didn’t mean we wanted him to do more and Emma less.’

‘I don’t understand why they’re not varying the presenting. Why is Johannes in the Clauditorium again? I’d have thought they would have swapped over and had Josh Widdicombe there this week after presenting on the floor last week.’

‘I really wish they had put JoJo and Josh together upstairs.’

‘Really surprised they haven’t switched and tried Josh in the upstairs role after the feedback from last week.’ 

It comes after the first live show last week brought in fewer viewers than the pre-recorded launch episode for the first time in seven years. 

Viewers complained about the new presenters missing cues and fluffing lines and asked the big question – why did the BBC hire three to do a two-man job?  

During the launch, the three rotated positions in the Elstree studio, seemingly trying Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s jobs for size. But with three vying for two roles, viewers soon singled out the ‘spare part’, homing in on Josh.

For the first live show Emma, the most experienced presenter of the three, took over Tess’s position down on the dancefloor, looking out for the nervous contestants during the judges’ critique. 

Johannes meanwhile was up in the ‘Clauditorium’, debriefing with his fellow pros and their partners. 

That left Josh, who was placed by Emma’s side adding the punchlines to her commentary, but the decision to split Tess’s role didn’t go down well with viewers who remarked that the comedian looked like a ‘spare part’ next to seasoned professional Emma.

Josh’s inexperience, and nerves, were evident when he awkwardly missed his cue during a link.

Critics and viewers have argued though that ‘Josh is really not the problem’, criticising BBC bosses for hiring three hosts and misassigning their roles.