Rob Beckett has shared a glimpse into his friendship with Josh Widdicombe, one of Strictly Come Dancing's three new presenters alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe. Speaking recently on the Great Company with Jamie Laing podcast, Rob revealed why he loves working on the Parenting Hell podcast and what makes Josh such a great co-host.
Bickering but proper friends
Like many close friendships, the comedian revealed that while they get on, they also bicker. "He's genuinely a really kind and caring person and so funny and really collaboratively funny," he shared.
"So we're not desperately trying to outdo each other, we sort of collaborate and you know, he has a go at me and sometimes I have a go at him but we're proper friends and it's not... there's no edge to it."
Praise for hardworking co-star
Rob went on to praise his co-star as "really hardworking" and said he "commits" to their twice-weekly show. "We both really put the effort in because with anything like this is consistency.
"We've done two episodes a week now for six years non-stop pumping that out and I think you have to because the audience rely on it, like they get the hump if it's not there," he added.
Social media break
In the latest episode of their podcast, Josh revealed he was taking a break from social media. He shared that he had been using an app called Brick to help keep him off social media through its use of locks.
"I'm back on the Brick. You've inspired me, and I'm loving the Brick again," he told Rob. "It's mad that we've reached this space in time where we have to buy a second phone because we're being dragged into these apps."
This came following backlash over his role on Strictly. Some viewers have questioned the need for three presenters, particularly a comedian like Josh. Seemingly making a joke about the backlash during an episode of Strictly: It Takes Two, Josh said of the reaction to their first live show: "It's been very low key since, no one's talked to me about it."
As the conversation with host Ellie Taylor continued, he, Emma and Johannes discussed the nerves they felt on the night. Emma then turned to Josh and said: "I feel really sorry for you, you're on that side of the stairs by yourself and me and Jojo are on the other side." He replied, joking that he wasn't alone because he was in the presence of judge Craig Revel Horwood.
Last weekend, all 15 dancing duos took to the dance floor for the first live show. This week, they will perform as part of Movie Week in the hope of avoiding the first vote-off. Strictly Come Dancing continues tonight at 6.15pm on BBC One.
