Comedian Josh Widdicombe and his interior designer wife Rose Hanson have reportedly been forced to halt renovations on Noel Edmonds' former home in Devon. The 43-year-old, who was recently announced as one of the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe, purchased the Grade II listed property earlier this year for £3 million.
Property Details
The couple sold their £2.3 million London townhouse last summer to raise their two children—seven-year-old daughter Pearl and four-year-old son Cassius—with more space and closer to Josh's childhood home in Devon. The 7,500 sq ft Grade II listed house features five en-suite bedrooms and a separate one-bedroom coach house in the grounds.
Planning Permission Issue
After beginning renovations, builders were forced to down tools when it emerged that the couple had failed to obtain planning permission. According to The Sun, Josh's agent stated in a retrospective application that building work was 'immediately paused' after the 'regrettable' error was discovered. Rose noted in the paperwork that renovations, including reopening a historic doorway and repositioning architraves, had started but not finished.
The local council has since approved the application, describing the proposals as 'positive'. Daily Mail has contacted Josh Widdicombe's representatives for comment.
Noel Edmonds' History with the Property
TV host Noel, 77, previously lived in the home after purchasing it for £1.36 million in October 2006 following his divorce from second wife Helen Soby and amid the success of Deal or No Deal. He carried out extensive renovations, but the house became embroiled in a bitter court battle after he was sued by a former friend who had not been paid for the building work. Noel sold the house in August 2008 for over £2 million, but following a 2011 court ruling, he was ordered to pay his former friend £600,000 plus legal fees.
Josh's Comments on the Property
Josh previously discussed his new house and its former owner—best known for hosting Noel's House Party in the 1990s from Edmonds' mansion in the fictional village of Crinkley Bottom alongside Mr Blobby. Speaking on the Parenting Hell podcast, he told fellow comic Rob Beckett: 'Just to be clear, it isn't in Crinkley Bottom – it isn't the house we used to see on Saturday nights on the TV.' His pal teased him with a crude retort about moving to a house 'that Noel Edmonds has had sex in'.
Strictly Come Dancing Role
Josh has expressed excitement over his new role as co-host of Strictly Come Dancing. Discussing his co-stars, he branded himself 'the runt of the litter', saying: 'I'm a weird-looking little guy. I realised I've been cast with two of the most striking looking people on television.' He joked about his height, adding: 'Jojo is 6'2", Emma's the same height as me but she'll be wearing heels, we've already discussed it's going to be fun for the Halloween special I may be the first person to go as Damon Albarn on Icons Night.' Rob Beckett warned potential trolls that he would defend his co-host, despite poking fun at Josh for grumbling about his busy schedule and time away from home after relocating from London to Exeter. The trio were announced on Tuesday in a tradition-busting decision by bosses to have three hosts after 22 years of a two-person hosting team.
