Josh Widdicombe has been spotted for the first time since being confirmed as the new host of Strictly Come Dancing. The comedian, 43, was seen leaving BBC studios with a smile on Saturday, just a day after The Daily Mail revealed he would join Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe in the presenting line-up for the upcoming series.
Widdicombe's Rise to Host
Last week, Widdicombe emerged as the surprise favourite to front the BBC dance show after impressing producers. He is no stranger to the programme, having appeared on the 2024 Christmas Special dressed as a penguin, dancing alongside professional Karen Hauer, who will not return for the next series. Widdicombe becomes the first male host since the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, who presented alongside Tess Daly until his retirement in 2013, when Claudia Winkleman took over.
Known for his role as co-host on The Last Leg alongside Alex Brooker and Adam Hills since 2012, Widdicombe is expected to bring comedic energy similar to Winkleman's, helping contestants feel at ease. Emma Willis will steer the show as the main presenter.
BBC's Plans and Reactions
A BBC spokesperson told The Daily Mail: 'Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.' A source earlier revealed: 'Josh blew the producers away with his dead-pan, witty banter. He is family friendly, having helmed several shows now, and loves Strictly.' The source added to The Sun: 'The bosses believe he will be ideal to take the show into a new era. After years as a stand-up, he can handle a live audience and is razor-sharp.'
Emma Willis Confirmed as Host
Emma Willis, 50, was revealed as the new host last week after a competitive audition process. She impressed during chemistry tests, with the BBC viewing her as a 'safe pair of hands'. A source said: 'Emma has been offered the Strictly job and is going to accept. She absolutely nailed the chemistry tests and the BBC adore her. She is a household name and incredibly popular with the public.'
Johannes Radebe's New Role
Johannes Radebe, 39, a professional dancer since 2018, is reportedly set to join the hosting line-up. An insider told The Sun: 'Everyone involved in the auditions – including the celebs – are saying the job is going to JoJo. During the chemistry tests he was paired up with every other celeb and did incredibly well.' The source added that Radebe has been announced as a returning professional, but bosses may still promote him.
Audition Process and Other Candidates
Zoe Ball, a former frontrunner, admitted she was 'working through the seven stages of grief and rejection' after losing out. Nine shortlisted stars attended secret auditions in London, including Rylan Clark, Tom Allen, and Alex Jones. A producer said: 'If anyone can turn things around for Strictly, it's Emma. There's something she has on screen, a mix of vulnerability and confidence, that everyone falls in love with.'
Returning Professionals and Judges
For the 24th series, returning professionals include Dianne Buswell, Nancy Xu, Vito Coppola, Julian Caillon, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Alexis Warr, and Kai Widdrington. New dancers are yet to be announced. Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Luba Mushtuk have been dismissed. The judging panel remains Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton du Beke.
