For months, the question of who would replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing has been one of the biggest topics in UK showbiz. No one could have predicted that the answer would involve the bumbling comedian Josh Widdicombe.
A Trio of New Hosts
Finding a duo as iconic as Daly and Winkleman proved too challenging for the BBC, so the network announced that three presenters would take over the glitziest show on TV. Emma Willis, whose name had been widely reported, felt like a predictable but strong choice. Johannes Radebe, a beloved former Strictly pro, was more surprising yet warmly embraced by fans. But Josh Widdicombe? That name seemed to come out of nowhere.
Widdicombe's Rise to Fame
Not that he lacks experience. Over the years, Widdicombe has transitioned from gigging stand-up to all-round TV personality. His face never seems to leave our screens, and he is the kind of celebrity everyone's mum seems to have a soft spot for, whether on Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You, or the Graham Norton Show sofa. Widdicombe actually has a connection to Strictly, having appeared on the 2024 Christmas Special to dance a Charleston dressed as a penguin.
Many have questioned whether the camp razzle and dazzle of Strictly will be embraced by a straight male comedian whose career revolves around his status as a Very Normal Guy. However, watching the Christmas special reveals that Widdicombe is undeniably awkward but gives it his all. In YouTube comments, armchair ballroom dancing experts admit he surprised them with his commitment. He might have joked that the experience made for "the worst day of my career," but clearly it did not put him off.
From Devon to the Ballroom
A West Country lad from a village in Devon, Widdicombe fell into comedy more or less by accident. From his first appearance on Mock the Week, he quickly became a core member of the comedy class of the 2010s. Making popular panel shows their playground, Widdicombe and his peers built brands around poking fun at headlines and performing observational routines about everyday life in Britain.
This material about the mundanity of middle-class life became his bread and butter. Michael McIntyre, whom Widdicombe supported on tour early in his career, is a clear reference point. But while McIntyre's comedy was frenetic and physical, Widdicombe's style was slouchier. Usually performing in a loose shirt and casual trousers, he was the comedy everyman—a slightly grumpy but ultimately affable neighbour.
Relatable Yet Surprising
"Relatable" best describes Widdicombe's persona on stage and screen. His work is undeniably funny but without much edge. However, a rebellious streak lurks beneath. For those who watched Taskmaster in its early days, Widdicombe will always be remembered for calling Greg Davies' bluff by getting the word "Greg" tattooed on his foot. The genuine astonishment on Davies' face made for an all-time TV moment and reminds us of Widdicombe's ability to surprise.
Since then, his star has swiftly ascended. While remaining a loyal core presenter on The Last Leg, he is a constant on quiz shows and presenting gigs. This ubiquity is testament to his being well-liked within the TV industry—a safe pair of hands who is playful and cheeky but crucially inoffensive. Given Strictly's desire for a brand overhaul after scandal-laden years, these factors are crucial.
The Parenting Hell Phenomenon
The project that has arguably earned him the most praise in recent years is the podcast Parenting Hell, which he co-hosts with Rob Beckett. During lockdown, they began discussing the realities of fatherhood. On paper, the "parenting is hard" premise sounds unbearable, but the podcast has proven a huge hit with all genders, often riding high in the charts.
Parenting Hell's success seems paramount to the Widdicombe-on-Strictly pipeline. It proves audiences are willing to stick with him week in, week out, and that he has broad appeal. Strictly might be stereotyped as a show for girls and the gays, but throwing a straight man in there could benefit the programme. Between them, Willis, Radebe, and Widdicombe cover all bases: experienced presenters, fan favourites, and those who claim Strictly isn't for them but would love it if they gave it a chance.
A Fresh Perspective
Widdicombe will bring people into the show because he is not part of its furniture. You can imagine him in a position akin to Winkleman, who never quite stopped playing the slight interloper role. She revelled in the chaos but was just as likely to widen her eyes or shake her head at the camera, as if perplexed by the whole thing two decades in. Picture it now: the comedian operating from the baffled outsider position, raising his eyebrows and saying "blimey" every few minutes, but ending up fully immersed, getting his fake tan each week with glee. Throw all the glitter you want at him. Widdicombe will lap it up.
