Motsi Mabuse appeared to address speculation about her relationship with Josh Widdicombe during the third live show of Strictly Come Dancing, delivering a pointed but playful remark that left the comedian laughing.

Rumours of friction between the judge and the new host began circulating during the competition’s second week, when some viewers suggested Motsi was becoming frustrated by Josh’s frequent jokes and interruptions. But as the latest episode got underway, she seemed keen to make light of the online discussion.

The moment came after Cach Mercer and dance partner Maddie Ingoldsby performed their Couple’s Choice routine to RAYE’s “Beware.. The South London Lover Boy.” Josh joked that he and co-host Emma Willis were dancers before turning his attention to Motsi.

The judge responded with a teasing declaration: “Yes Josh, my FRIEND!” Her emphatic delivery prompted Josh to burst out laughing, while the audience joined in.

Viewers quickly picked up on the exchange on X. One fan interpreted the remark as a knowing response to the previous week’s speculation, while another remained unconvinced that the pair were genuinely getting along.

The moment followed another playful exchange during the launch show. After Craig Revel Horwood suggested moving on to head judge Shirley Ballas while Motsi was giving feedback, Josh joined in by calling out Shirley’s name. Motsi then challenged him to decide whether they were going to be friends or enemies, prompting laughter from both Josh and the audience.

The exchanges have unfolded as the show’s new presenting team continues to find its footing. Josh, Emma and former professional dancer Johannes Radebe faced criticism after the first live show, with some viewers questioning the presenting format and complaining that commentary sometimes made it difficult to hear what was happening on screen.

By week three, however, some viewers appeared more positive, particularly about Johannes. Fans praised his growing confidence in the Clauditorium, where couples gather after their performances, and highlighted his combination of personality and dance knowledge. Others said Emma was coming across naturally with the contestants and that the trio seemed increasingly comfortable in their roles.

Delta Goodrem Leads the Week Three Leaderboard

Away from the presenting team’s on-screen banter, the third live show delivered several notable performances. Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdrington claimed the highest score of the series so far, earning 33 points for their Salsa to “Always There/Ain’t Nobody,” a medley associated with Jocelyn Brown and Chaka Khan.

Motsi enthusiastically praised the routine, while Craig also gave the Australian singer and her partner a glowing response. Their score placed them at the top of the leaderboard.

Cach Mercer and Maddie Ingoldsby secured 31 points for their energetic Couple’s Choice performance, despite mixed feedback from the judges. Craig felt the routine stopped and started too often, while Motsi said it needed more polish. Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita also earned 31 points, finishing joint second after their Argentine Tango to Ariana Grande’s “Hate That I Made You Love Me.”

The performance impressed the judges and audience, with Motsi saying it gave her goosebumps and describing the pair as dark horses.

Other couples had more difficult evenings. Former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips and Alexis Warr finished at the bottom with 15 points after their Quickstep to The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer” drew criticism for issues with their hold, posture and footwork.

Meanwhile, Melanie Walters and Aljaž Škorjanec received 17 points for their Charleston, while John Nellis and Katya Jones scored 20 for their Cha Cha. The latter pair had topped the leaderboard during the first week, making their latest result a notable drop.

Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu, who had been in the dance-off the previous week, earned 28 points for their Viennese Waltz. Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin scored 27 for their Tango, and Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu also received 27 for their American Smooth.

The remaining scores included 26 for Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola, 25 each for Will Best and Dianne Buswell and Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakley, and 20 apiece for Dame Sarah Storey and Julian Caillon and Lawrence Robb and Jowita Przystał.

The competition continues with Sunday’s results show, featuring a ballroom-versus-Latin group dance led by Anton Du Beke for Team Ballroom and Shirley Ballas for Team Latin. Craig Revel Horwood will act as referee, assisted by Neil Jones.

The Strictly Come Dancing results show is scheduled to air at 7:10 p.m. on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Source: Compiled from various sources.