Josh Widdicombe's friend has admitted he's "worried" about the comedian's packed schedule, after hearing just how hectic his diary has become. Josh has been a "busy boy" of late, juggling trips to and from London to film TV shows – including the demanding Strictly Come Dancing – while also being a father of two and running a podcast with pal Rob Beckett.
Exhaustion and a packed diary
Josh, who lives in Exeter, Devon, with his wife, Rose Hanson, is one of three new presenters on the Strictly team. He started the role last month alongside Johannes Radebe and Emma Willis. The whirlwind schedule seems to be wearing down the 43-year-old funnyman, who admitted he's "so tired" on the Parenting Hell podcast.
Josh told listeners: "I'm so tired. I filmed a show on Monday night." He explained: "So I had to go up Monday after the podcast, yeah, film the show Monday night, and then I had a...not an office run-through, but not a full-blown pilot. That kind of situation."
No time to rest
When Rob suggested he was trying to pilot a new idea, Josh replied: "Yeah, well, I'm not, but I was involved in it, yeah. But like, I was asked to do it, so I sat. So we did a kind of run-through for some commissioners, and then I got the train back."
He added: "So I haven't had an effing moment. I got back at quarter past nine in the evening. Now I'm back doing this (the podcast)." Rob inquired whether Josh had the afternoon off, but Josh explained he had a "Strictly Zoom" – an online script read-through – followed by a trip back to London the following day for a haircut.
Concerns from Rob Beckett
Rob asked: "Are you having any time off for next week in the week? I'm worried about your diary, Josh." However, it seems Josh has more podcast recording and Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two commitments to look forward to. Josh asked why they were recording so many podcasts, and Rob reminded him that "half-term's coming up", meaning they would have less availability because of their parenting duties.
It comes after Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas leapt to Josh's defence following a backlash over his new role on the show. Josh, Johannes Radebe and Emma Willis replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as part of a new three-presenter format. Initially, the shake-up divided viewers, but things have reportedly settled down.
Shirley told the Press Association at the Pride of Britain Awards: "I have a changing room just down from Josh. He is humorous. He is a gentleman. He is kind and I think he's brilliant at his job." Discussing the changes to the show's format, she added: "It's mixed up but it feels great. It feels fresh. Still one of those bigger shows where people tune into for all the family. So it's great."
Catch Josh on Who Do You Think You Are? on BBC iPlayer now.
