Josh Widdicombe has been defended by a string of celebrities after mounting scrutiny over his new hosting role on Strictly Come Dancing. The comedian, 43, has been met with cruel backlash as he finds his feet in the coveted presenter role alongside Emma Willis, 50, and Johannes Radebe, 39.
The Last Leg star has been harshly labelled everything from a 'spare part' to 'utterly useless' in horrible online comments after the BBC dancing competition's first live episode this weekend. But Josh has the support of fellow presenters and TV stars, who have rushed in to defend him by questioning why he's been getting such a hard time.
BBC presenter urges kindness
BBC DJ and presenter Ed James, 50, took to social media to urge Strictly Come Dancing viewers to 'be a little kinder', adding: 'He's a great presenter, doing a massive job and was bound to have been bloody nervous.'
Ed wrote: 'It's a TV show?! If you didn't like him, switch off! Why feel the need to go online and give him a harsh time?
'Not sure how going online and having a go at him helps anyone… least of all Josh who's just trying to do the best job he can on one of the biggest platforms in the UK. Can we be a little kinder?
He added: 'And if you are tempted to open up social media and join the pile on… Go to the gym, have a glass of wine, spend some time outside and hopefully realise this really isn't something to get all worked up about!'
Celebrity support and Josh's own words
The post has been backed by a number of celebs, including presenter Gabby Logan, who commented a raising hands emoji. Katie Piper, Tamzin Outhwaite, and Denise Lewis have also commented on the post, sharing their support for Josh.
The Mock the Week star previously revealed that he felt nervous when he was first offered the role alongside Emma and Johannes, but was put at ease the moment they first came together. 'I thought I was rubbish,' he explained to The Times.
'Everything I said felt false. I didn't know where to put my hands [But after being paired with Emma and Johannes] from the moment we met, everyone was on the same wavelength, everyone was laughing.'
He added: 'Then we did the launch show, and I was like: "Oh no, we're good at this, this is fun."
'I am confident in this. I am not a rubbish comedian, I know that. On the launch night the joy was insane. It's one of the least cynical places I have ever been.'
