Josh Widdicombe has refused to confirm or deny whether he is one of the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing, but head judge Shirley Ballas has shut down the rumours in an exclusive interview with The Mirror.
Widdicombe Grilled on GMB
The comedian has been hotly tipped as a potential replacement alongside Emma Willis. Appearing on Good Morning Britain, he was pressed by former Strictly stars Susanna Reid and Ed Balls. When asked directly, Widdicombe deflected: "Ed, do not believe what you read in the papers. You're both public figures, you know what it's like." Susanna pushed back: "I'm not sure we're getting the answer. Are you the next host of Strictly?"
Widdicombe replied: "It's lovely to be linked with the role. It's a lovely thing to be on your CV. I think I'd do a lovely job... If I was casting it, I'd look for a couple with Strictly heritage, chemistry, weekends off, and live TV experience. There's only one couple I can think of, and they're sitting right in front of me." Susanna ruled out herself and Ed being approached, but pressed a third time. Widdicombe again gave a vague answer, prompting Susanna to muse: "I think he's not ruling himself out." Josh quipped: "He's not ruling himself in." Ed added: "I think he's got it."
Shirley Ballas Shuts Down Rumours
While Widdicombe remained tight-lipped, Shirley Ballas was candid. Asked by The Mirror if he was the new host, she first said: "I have no comment," before teasing: "Josh Widdicombe? Never heard of him. Who is he? That is a new name for me." Speaking exclusively at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show VIP Day, she added: "I'm looking forward to Strictly. We're going to have two new presenters. Don't believe everything you read."
Ballas revealed the announcement is imminent: "It's out next week, the end of this week, the beginning of next!" She expressed excitement for the September return, saying: "Every year there is excitement. It's sad to see people leave, and of course people will miss Tess and Claudia. But things move on. One day I won't be on the show anymore, and it'll be the next new person. Baubles, bangles and beads, lights, camera, action!"
