Josh Widdicombe has been flooded with messages of love and support after sharing the news of a heartbreaking loss, just weeks before he's set to make his hosting debut on Strictly Come Dancing.
The comedian and TV star, who will take over the running of the BBC One dance contest alongside new co-hosts Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe, confirmed the death of one of his beloved cats in a social media post.
Heartfelt tribute to Beryl
Alongside a string of pictures of the sweet animal, Josh wrote on Instagram: "Our beautiful cat Beryl passed away last week, absolutely heartbroken.
"When we got her and Eddie 11 years ago I was a huge cat sceptic, now she has created a life long problem for me, I get far too emotionally attached to them and would happily have 10 (Rose won’t let me). Beryl was an affectionate, chilled and beautiful matriarch.
"A cat that would somehow always know if you were down and come to see you to make you feel better. Sadly, today we don’t have her around to do that."
Social media support
The Last Leg star added: "I heavily considered not posting this due to my innate feeling that social media mourning is weird (particularly as I know some people will think it’s just a cat), but I found myself repeatedly having to tell people I saw in the last that I was upset when they asked how my day/week/summer was so this seemed a way to hopefully stem that odd chat."
Josh then rounded off the post: "RIP Beryl, with your kidney problems you really took the cat insurance to the cleaners," and the messages soon came flooding in.
Former Strictly professional dancer Karen Hauer replied: "So sorry friend.. sleep well little one." @katy.basey said: "I'm so sorry Josh, anyone who thinks its 'just a cat' has never owned a pet. They are family." @teampdsa commented: "So sorry to hear the sad news about Beryl. Sending you love at this difficult time."
@lozljt wrote: "Oh Beryl, I think all Parenting Hell listeners will miss you, what an icon." @anouskaew posted: "Oh no! Sleep tight Beryl. We will all miss tales of you winning in the insurance game! Sorry Josh and all the family. A sad day." @natalie_2send added: "So sorry for your loss. Beryl was a beauty."
