Josh Widdicombe hints at his new Strictly hosting job as he tells comedy show audience his career is ‘changing’ after clearing his schedule by wrapping up his tour
Josh Widdicombe has hinted at his upcoming new gig as the host of Strictly Come Dancing as he tells fans his career has ‘changed’ on his latest comedy show.
The 43-year-old comedian is reportedly being offered the coveted job alongside Emma Willis after impressing bosses with a late audition.
Josh had already cleared his schedule for Strictly, announcing on Instagram on Sunday that he had completed his Not My Cup Of Tea tour.
On Friday, the funnyman addressed the rumors as he described how he came to attract an ‘older audience’ during his stand-up show at London’s Hackney Empire.
“I started doing TV shows aimed at older people and attracting older audiences,” he said, referencing his previous appearance in 2024’s Strictly Christmas Special.
Josh continued: ‘To sum up how old I am, I did the Strictly Christmas special two years ago.
Josh Widdicombe hints at his upcoming new gig as presenter of Strictly Come Dancing as he tells fans his career has ‘changed’ on his latest comedy show
‘I had the worst day of my career. We all had to get up and do a group dance. All the big celebrities were there; I’m Nitro from Gladiators. All the elders.
‘We all started dancing and I realized I was the worst dancer. This wasn’t planned to happen.
‘I knew I would be good when I signed up because I know how Strictly works. There’s always that middle-aged man who makes everyone look good.
‘I was like, ‘Oh shit. I am a middle-aged man. ‘I’m Adrian Chiles, je suis Jeremy Vine, that’s me.’
Josh later reflected on the end of his 82-date tour on Sunday, writing on Instagram: ‘Tour over! 78 appointments since September! There are so many incredible memories (see above).
‘Thank you so much everyone for coming, I’ve never really enjoyed a tour this much, I’m sorry it’s over. A little.
‘Thank you for the wonderful support @danecomedian @linzsantoro @chantelnashdoesfunnies @louiseyoungcomedy Thank you to everyone at the incomparable @offthekerbcomedy who told me where to go, when to go and kept me sane.
‘Mostly thanks to @penrosetilbury for doing more childcare than is fair. It’s time to write new jokes.
‘PS we have three make-up concerts in September, we couldn’t fit in but let me give you a memory.’
The comedian is reportedly set to land the coveted job offer alongside Emma Willis, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman (pictured) after impressing bosses with a late audition
Josh had already cleared his schedule for Strictly since announcing on Instagram on Sunday that he had wrapped up his stand-up tour.
Josh was reportedly chosen as the new Strictly presenter on Friday and is now set to join Emma Willis on the BBC show. A fierce selection process.
No stranger to TV, Josh has co-hosted The Last Leg alongside Alex Brooker and Adam Hills since 2012.
Bosses will be hoping Josh will replace Claudia Winkleman’s comedic energy and help put the contestants at ease, while Emma will drive the show.
He told the BBC Daily Mail: ‘Strictly Come Dancing Plans for 2026 will be confirmed in due course.’
A source said earlier this week: ‘Josh stunned producers with his deadpan and witty jokes. He is a family friend, currently directs several shows and Definitely.’
They added Sun: ‘Bosses believe he would be ideal to take the show into a new era. After years of doing stand-up he can handle a live audience and is extremely sharp.
‘He’s not a household name yet, so replacing Brucie would be an excellent move for his career.’
Meanwhile, Emma is thought to have impressed during the Strictly chemistry tests as the BBC deemed her a ‘safe pair of hands’.
A source said on Monday night: ‘Emma has been offered the Strictly job and will take it. He absolutely aced his chemistry tests and the BBC adored him.
‘Emma is a household name and they are a trustworthy couple, so the BBC knows she will do her job properly. He is also incredibly popular with the public and would suit this role very well. ‘He was absolutely thrilled when he was offered the job.’
Meanwhile, the strictly professional Johannes Radebe is reportedly set to join Emma and Josh as part of the new series’ presenting line-up.
The 39-year-old South African-born dancer and choreographer has been appearing professionally on the show since 2018, but a new report claims he could present this year.
A source said: ‘Everyone auditioning, including the celebrities, says it will be left to JoJo.
‘During the chemistry tests she was paired with all the other celebrities and did incredibly well.’
Added an insider Sun: ‘They all think he would be the perfect partner for Emma. ‘She has been announced as one of the returning professional dancers, but that doesn’t mean bosses won’t promote her.’
Last week frontrunner Zoe Ball broke the news that she had lost her job and admitted she was ‘working through the seven stages of grief and rejection’.
It’s rare for celebrity candidates to be this open and proves the brilliance of the role. However, according to insider information, bosses are now pinning all their hopes on a single woman.
A producer who worked with Emma, 50, on a reality show a few years ago insisted: ‘If anyone can turn things around for Strictly it’s him.
‘There’s something on screen for everyone to fall in love with; A mixture of vulnerability and self-confidence.’
