Josh Widdicombe headed to Sweden with his Parenting Hell co-host, Rob Beckett, after facing backlash over his Strictly Come Dancing presenting role. Sharing photos from their travels on Instagram, Rob wrote: "Three Sneaky Sasquatches slipping out to Sweden for some Spotify fun in Stockholm."
Among the snaps, a relaxed Josh was seen reading a book on a plane before heading to The Royal Dramatic Theatre with Rob and their producer, Michael. Josh, who has enjoyed huge success with his podcast, is expected to return to Strictly for movies week on Saturday.
Strictly presenting trio faces scrutiny
Set to reunite with his co-hosts Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe, the presenting trio is gearing up for the first celebrity elimination of the series. Brought on to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who left last year, Emma, Josh and Johannes have all faced their fair share of scrutiny since signing on to the show.
While Emma has been widely commended on her Strictly debut, the BBC has been criticised for bringing three presenters onto the programme, when the show has historically worked well with two. Meanwhile, some fans have suggested that Johannes and Josh feel "awkward" and "out of place" as presenters. Josh, in particular, appears to be fielding the most backlash, though the comedian has refrained from commenting on it.
Support from colleagues
In the meantime, a number of celebrities have come to Josh's defence. Penning a message of support on Sunday, BBC radio star Ed James urged fans to be "a little kinder".
"Seeing lots of stuff about Josh today on social media and in news outlets," he began. "Wanted to share some thoughts, and I realise I'm adding to the problem here as I'm doing exactly what I'm about to suggest we don't do… but why is he getting a hard time? 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? He's a great presenter, doing a massive job and was bound to have been bloody nervous.
"He'll be just fine, so will SCD, as it's a brilliant show. 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? 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!"
Strictly pro praises new hosts
Likewise, Strictly pro Lauren Oakley has praised Emma, Johannes and Josh on Instagram. "We couldn't be in safer hands than with these beautiful people. Strictly is about family, uplifting others, and creating a safe space for celebrity contestants to be vulnerable and do something so outside of their comfort zone," she noted.
"This trio has been so warm and welcoming, and they felt like family from the minute they stepped into the studio, and we love having them with us. Professional, funny, kind and fantastic at what they do. I couldn't feel more lucky to be sharing the screen and our Saturday nights with them." Clearly appreciative of Lauren's words, Josh followed up by resharing the post on his own Instagram account.
