New Strictly Come Dancing host Josh Widdicombe has been spotted struggling to manoeuvre an enormous yellow ball onto a punt on the River Stour in Canterbury, as he films the pilot for a new comedy show titled Let's Play Ball.
Comedian Takes on Giant Ball Challenge
The comedian was seen pushing the huge yellow ball through the streets of Canterbury before attempting to wedge it onto a punt. He was joined by rugby player and Celebrity Traitors star Joe Marler, as well as fellow comedian Harriet Kemsley, who was seen in a cream dress holding onto the giant ball as it towered over her head while travelling down the river.
Show Concept
In Let's Play Ball, two rival teams of comedians go head-to-head in a race to transport a gigantic ball across various terrains, including narrow city streets, rivers, and countryside meadows. The show is based on a format from the Netherlands and is being produced by Initial and Zeppotron, the team behind Last One Laughing.
Additional Cast Members
The group was later joined by Josie Gibson, Rob Beckett, and Kiell Smith-Bynoe, all seen manoeuvring enormous balls in Dane John Gardens in Canterbury.
Producers' Comments
Katy Manley, managing director of Initial, said: 'This hilarious new show is the perfect next joint project for us. Initial brings the big red balls (we also make Wipeout), while Zeppotron will unlock its legendary black book to cast the funniest people in the country. We can't wait to take this out to buyers in the UK.'
Peter Holmes, managing director of Zeppotron, added: 'Like the Zeppotron team, Let's Play Ball is very simple and very silly. We're really looking forward to joining forces with Initial once more to put our own spin on this big, bold, ball-based format.'
Widdicombe's New Role
Stand-up comedian Widdicombe was recently announced as the new host of Strictly Come Dancing, alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe. The trio will host the show together, marking a first for the flagship entertainment programme. The new line-up takes over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced their departure from the programme in October 2025.
