Josh Widdicombe is reportedly set to take one of the biggest jobs in British television after being lined up as a new host of Strictly Come Dancing — joining a fresh presenting team alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe. ✨
The comedian, 43, is said to have impressed BBC bosses during a tense audition process as producers search for the right stars to guide the beloved dance show into a bold new era. His arrival would mark a major moment for Strictly, making him the first male presenter to front the programme since the late Sir Bruce Forsyth.
For fans of the glitterball, that is no small detail. Sir Bruce was the face of Strictly for years, hosting alongside Tess Daly until his retirement in 2013. Claudia Winkleman later stepped into the role and became adored for her wit, warmth and quick humour. Now, with a major refresh underway, bosses appear to believe Josh could bring back some of that playful comic energy while offering something entirely new. 🌟
Josh is no stranger to the Strictly world. He previously appeared on the 2024 Christmas Special, memorably dressed as a penguin while dancing with professional Karen Hauer. Although his festive turn was light-hearted, it seems to have made a lasting impression behind the scenes.
A source claimed Josh “blew the producers away” with his dry humour, deadpan delivery and family-friendly charm. After years of stand-up and live television, bosses reportedly believe he has the sharpness needed to handle the pressure of a huge Saturday night audience.
The decision, if confirmed, would be a dramatic career leap for Josh, who has co-hosted The Last Leg alongside Alex Brooker and Adam Hills since 2012. While he is already familiar to comedy fans, Strictly would place him at the centre of one of the BBC’s most scrutinised entertainment shows.
He will reportedly join Emma Willis, who is said to have emerged as the clear frontrunner after impressing during chemistry tests. The 50-year-old presenter is viewed as a safe pair of hands, with years of experience on major shows including Big Brother, The Voice UK and This Morning. 💃
Emma’s appeal is easy to understand. She has live TV polish, warmth and the kind of calm authority needed to steer emotional contestants, unpredictable judges and glittering chaos. One producer who previously worked with her reportedly said that if anyone can turn Strictly around, it is Emma.
The third name in the potential hosting shake-up is Johannes Radebe, one of the show’s most beloved professionals. The South African-born dancer, 39, has been part of Strictly since 2018 and has built a huge following thanks to his charisma, emotional intelligence and dazzling presence on the dance floor.
Reports suggest Johannes performed strongly in chemistry tests and could be promoted into a presenting role while still remaining part of the wider Strictly family. For many fans, his inclusion would be a joyful move, bringing glamour, authenticity and insider dance knowledge to the hosting team. ❤️
The reported shake-up comes after a dramatic search for new presenters, with several major names linked to the role. Zoe Ball recently revealed she had missed out, joking that she was working through the “seven stages of grief and rejection.” Her candid comment only showed how coveted the Strictly job remains.
Behind the scenes, BBC bosses reportedly held secret auditions at a London location, complete with a judging panel and live band. Stars were said to have signed strict NDAs, as producers tested not just autocue skills, but chemistry, humour, warmth and the ability to keep live energy flowing.
The pressure is enormous. Strictly remains one of the BBC’s crown jewels, but recent changes to the professional line-up and growing public scrutiny mean the next series will be watched closely. Producers are clearly hoping a refreshed hosting team can bring sparkle, stability and a renewed sense of fun. ✨
The professional dancer line-up is also changing. Returning stars include Dianne Buswell, Nancy Xu, Vito Coppola, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec and Kai Widdrington, while Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas and Luba Mushtuk are among those reportedly not returning.
The judging panel is expected to remain familiar, with Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton du Beke returning to cast their expert eyes over the celebrities.
For now, the BBC has said plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course. But if Josh, Emma and Johannes do lead the new era, fans could be looking at one of the biggest hosting shake-ups in the show’s history.
New faces, fresh chemistry, big expectations — and plenty of glitter. Strictly may be preparing for its most dramatic transformation yet. 🌟
