Josh Widdicombe attempted to sidestep questions about his potential role as the new host of Strictly Come Dancing during an uncomfortable appearance on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday. The 43-year-old comedian was on the ITV programme to discuss his involvement in an event called Beyond Equality, but the conversation swiftly turned to the BBC dance show after reports emerged last week that he had been 'confirmed' as the new presenter.
Awkward Exchange on Live Television
Susanna Reid pressed Josh on whether he would be taking over the hosting duties, to which he gave a non-committal response. 'Look, it's lovely to be linked; it's an impressive thing to have on my CV,' he said. 'If I were casting it, I would hire Strictly heritage... chemistry... I can only think of one couple, and they are sitting right in front of me.' Susanna replied, 'I don't think either of us have been approached. Are you, third time, are you the next presenter?'
Josh again avoided a direct answer, stating, 'It would be lovely. It would be lovely, absolutely lovely. I'm glad to be linked with it; I would love to do it; we'd all love to do it.'
Frontrunner Status
Last week, the comedian emerged as the shock favourite to host the series alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe, after impressing BBC bosses. Josh is no stranger to the show, having appeared in the 2024 Christmas Special dressed as a penguin, dancing with professional Karen Hauer, who will not return for the upcoming series.
If confirmed, Josh would become the first male host of Strictly since Sir Bruce Forsyth, who presented alongside Tess Daly until his retirement in 2013. Claudia Winkleman then took over. Josh has co-hosted The Last Leg since 2012 alongside Alex Brooker and Adam Hills.
New Hosting Line-Up
Josh will reportedly join Emma Willis, who was 'revealed' as the new host last week after a rigorous audition process. According to sources, Emma impressed during chemistry tests and is seen as a 'safe pair of hands' by the BBC. A source said, 'Emma has been offered the Strictly job and is going to accept. She absolutely nailed the chemistry tests, and the BBC adore her.'
Johannes Radebe is also reportedly set to join the hosting line-up. The South African-born dancer and choreographer, 39, has been a professional on the show since 2018. A source stated, 'Everyone involved in the auditions – including the celebs – are saying the job is going to JoJo. During the chemistry tests, he was paired up with every other celeb and did incredibly well.'
Bosses' Hopes for the Future
BBC bosses hope that Josh will replicate Claudia's comedic energy and help put contestants at ease, while Emma will steer the show. A source earlier this week said, 'Josh blew the producers away with his dead-pan, witty banter. He is family friendly, having helmed several shows now, and loves Strictly.' They added, 'The bosses believe he will be ideal to take the show into a new era. After years as a stand-up, he can handle a live audience and is razor-sharp.'
Meanwhile, frontrunner Zoe Ball broke the news that she had lost out on the job, admitting she is 'working through the seven stages of grief and rejection'. A producer who worked with Emma on a reality show insisted, 'If anyone can turn things around for Strictly, it's her. There's something she has on screen, a mix of vulnerability and confidence, that everyone just falls in love with.'
Audition Process and Professional Dancers
After weeks of speculation, nine shortlisted stars were summoned to a top-secret location in London for full-scale dress rehearsals with a judging panel and live band. Among those confirmed in the callbacks were Rylan, Tom Allen, and Alex Jones. A source said, 'They really want to bring the fun this year. It's all about chemistry, who clicks instantly and can keep the energy up live on air.'
The BBC has also announced the returning professional dancers for the 24th series, including Dianne Buswell, Nancy Xu, Vito Coppola, and Johannes Radebe. Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, and Nadiya Bychkova are among those who have been dropped. The celebrities will be judged by Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton du Beke.
