Josh Widdicombe, the newly announced host of Strictly Come Dancing, has been spotted showcasing his dance moves while filming his upcoming entertainment show Let's Play Ball. The comedian, 43, was seen entertaining crowds between takes in Canterbury, Kent, alongside fellow comedians Rob Beckett, Mo Gilligan, Harriet Kemsley, This Morning presenter Josie Gibson, and former England rugby star Joe Marler.
Behind the Scenes of Let's Play Ball
The challenge-themed series involves teams navigating large red and yellow inflatable balls through busy towns and cities. During filming, Joe Marler appeared to revert to his rugby days, tackling Rob Beckett to the ground to prevent him from winning a challenge.
Keeping the Strictly Role Secret
Before the official announcement of his role on the ballroom dancing show, Widdicombe was forced to keep the news confidential, even from close friends and family. Speaking on his Parenting Hell podcast, which he co-hosts with Rob Beckett, he admitted last month: "I'm glad it's out there because I've been lying to people."
Rob Beckett then revealed that Widdicombe had evaded questions about the role during an appearance on Good Morning Britain. In response, Widdicombe said: "I didn't lie on Good Morning Britain. I evaded questions," before Beckett jokingly added: "You acted like a politician."
Telling His Children
Widdicombe also had to keep the secret from his two children, Pearl, eight, and Cassius, five, whom he shares with TV producer wife Rose Hanson. He explained: "This is being recorded when the news has just come out. I've got to go and get them from school in a bit and I'll tell them. Because I couldn't trust them. You just simply can't trust them. You don't leave an eight-year-old and go: 'You simply can't tell anyone this', because that's unfair, so I haven't told them."
He added: "So I'm going to go and pick them up from school and my son won't really, I think with my daughter the truth is, it's not going to feel as wild to her."
Other Contenders for the Role
At the time of the announcement, several other names had been rumored for the hosting role, including Alan Carr and Bradley Walsh. Widdicombe will co-host Strictly Come Dancing alongside Emma Willis and professional dancer Johannes Radebe.
