Strictly Come Dancing host Josh Widdicombe has said he will change his backstage routine by starting to take photographs, a move inspired by co-host Emma Willis.
Speaking on the Parenting Hell podcast with Rob Beckett, the comedian explained that he rarely takes photos but noticed Willis often captured "good" ones. He said: "Well, do you know what? I never take any photos. And Emma was always taking good photos. And I'm like, 'I should be taking photos'....Now I'm calmer with the whole thing, I'm going to start doing it."
New Presenting Line-Up for Series 24
Widdicombe, alongside Emma Willis, 50, and Johannes Radebe, 39, took over presenting duties for series 24 from the long-standing duo of Tess Daly, 57, and Claudia Winkleman, 54. The new team has attracted both supporters and critics, and the role has proved challenging given how cherished the show is to fans.
Widdicombe made the comments on episode 31 of season 13 of Parenting Hell, where he and Rob Beckett discuss their family lives and professional ventures. During the episode, recorded earlier this week, the pair discussed their workloads, with Widdicombe revealing both Strictly and Channel 4's The Last Leg would occupy him until mid-to-late December.
Facing Criticism Over Comedy Sketches
Widdicombe has faced criticism from audiences since joining Strictly, including over the incorporation of comedy sketches into the show. Some fans expressed frustration on social media platform X, with one posting: "Stop trying to make every link funny! Especially when you involve the judges who fluff their lines." Another wrote: "They really, really need to cut these 'comedy' sketches from Strictly."
Radio Times TV and podcast editor Caroline Frost suggested that while the trio have developed as the series has unfolded, the journey has not been entirely smooth. She wrote: "I think it's fair to say there were some bumps in the road in the first couple of episodes, but they do appear to be very slowly relaxing into their new roles."
Earlier in the year, former Strictly pro Ola Jordan remarked that Josh had seemed "really nervous" on the programme, while Vincent Simone compared Josh to a "lost lamb" in comments reported by the Mirror.
Widdicombe Responds to Critics
Widdicombe has also hit back at the criticism, discussing the first episode on his podcast. He said: "You put up a lovely Instagram. Someone put like, 'Did anyone find that everyone was just too happy on it?' It's Strictly!" Rob responded: "They said, 'It felt it was a bit too OTT and everyone was too happy like they were being paid to dance'. I'm like, 'That's exactly what's happened'. I thought it was brilliant Josh, you should be really proud."
Widdicombe returns alongside Emma and Johannes to UK screens tonight with Strictly Come Dancing starting at 6:40pm (November 7) on BBC One.
