Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has dismissed speculation that comedian Josh Widdicombe is set to become one of the show's new hosts. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show VIP Day, she poured cold water on the rumours.
Widdicombe appeared on Good Morning Britain, where former Strictly stars Susanna Reid and Ed Balls quizzed him about the reports. However, he remained coy, telling them: "Ed, do not believe what you read in the papers."
When pressed further, Widdicombe said it was "lovely to be linked with the role" and that he would "do a lovely job", but stopped short of confirming or denying the gig. Reid remarked that he was not ruling himself out, while Widdicombe quipped: "He's not ruling himself in."
Ballas, however, was less guarded. Asked if Widdicombe was the new host, she said: "I have no comment," before adding: "Josh Widdicombe? Never heard of him, who is he? That is a new name for me." She went on to say: "I will say to anybody who's listening or reading, don't believe everything you read."
The judge confirmed that there will be two new presenters and revealed the announcement will come "end of this week, the beginning of next". She also said that while Tess and Claudia will be missed, "things move on" and the show continues.
