Strictly Come Dancing Host Emma Willis’ Husband Matt Reveals How She Is Handling the Backlash
Matt Willis has spoken out in support of his wife, Emma Willis, as she faces criticism from some viewers over her new role presenting Strictly Come Dancing.
Appearing on ITV’s This Morning on Thursday, October 8, the Busted star offered an upbeat update on how Emma is coping with the reaction to her appointment. Despite the negative comments from some fans, Matt said she remains happy in her new role.
“She’s smashing it, she’s so happy,” he said.
Emma is presenting the 2026 series as part of a trio alongside Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe. Since the new hosting team made its debut, some Strictly viewers have expressed reservations about the changes, prompting presenters Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard to ask Matt about the criticism during their interview.
His response suggested that Emma is concentrating on the job rather than getting caught up in the online debate.
Matt Willis Defends Emma Amid Strictly Come Dancing Backlash
Matt joined This Morning to talk about his new memoir, but the conversation also turned to his wife’s experience on one of television’s best-known entertainment shows.
Asked about working alongside Emma, he made it clear that he has plenty of admiration for her professional abilities.
“I love working with Emma, she’s so good at what she does,” he said.
Matt also revealed that he attends every live show, meaning he has been watching more Strictly Come Dancing than ever before.
When the discussion turned to the criticism surrounding Emma’s presenting role, he explained that she is good at keeping outside opinions from distracting her.
“She doesn’t pay attention to anything, she’s very good at doing her job. She just puts her head down, does her job the best she can.”
He also praised the relationship Emma has developed with her fellow presenters, making it clear that she enjoys working with both Josh and Johannes, affectionately known as Jojo.
“She loves working with Josh and Jojo and they’re great and they’re brilliant and they’re lovely people and they’re just in all of this together.”
His comments offered a reassuring picture of the team behind the scenes, despite the mixed reaction their arrival has received from some viewers.
Matt Willis Reveals Why He Is Unlikely to Compete on Strictly
During the interview, Ben Shephard also asked Matt whether he might one day swap watching from the audience for competing on the Strictly Come Dancing dance floor.
Matt revealed that he had been approached about taking part in the competition on several occasions. However, he suggested that his wife’s current position on the show would make an appearance difficult.
“I’ve been asked to do Strictly a couple of times but I’ve got a valid reason not to now,” he joked.
He went on to explain his thinking, adding: “I think it would be a bit of a conflict of interest.”
Although competing himself may no longer be a realistic prospect, Matt has developed an even greater appreciation for the contestants and the work that goes into their performances.
Watching the dancers perform live in the studio has given him a clearer understanding of just how demanding the routines can be. He also admitted to being impressed by the judges’ ability to identify even the smallest mistakes in dances he had initially thought were excellent.
Josh Widdicombe Shares a Playful Strictly Moment
Away from the discussion surrounding the new presenting team, fellow host Josh Widdicombe has also been sharing lighter moments from the series with his followers.
Josh recently reposted an Instagram clip featuring judge Shirley Ballas using miniature shoes during a judging segment. The footage, taken from Saturday’s show, also captured the reactions of the other judges.
Clearly entertained by the moment, Josh summed up his response in a single word: “Iconic.”
The post offered a more playful glimpse of life on the show amid the ongoing debate about its new hosting line-up.
Josh has also spoken candidly about his relationship with technology. Speaking to Rob Beckett on the Parenting Hell podcast, he revealed that he had returned to using a basic phone.
He explained that he had felt increasingly drawn towards apps and welcomed the opportunity to take a step back from them.
While Emma continues to settle into her role on Strictly Come Dancing, Matt’s comments suggest that she remains focused on the programme and the people she works with, rather than the criticism surrounding the show’s new presenting team.