Josh Widdicombe may not have been the name many Strictly Come Dancing fans expected — but behind the scenes, his shock move into the ballroom appears far less surprising than it first seemed. 💃
The comedian, 43, is reportedly set to join Emma Willis as part of the BBC show’s bold new era, after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they were stepping away from the programme. For months, viewers had speculated that big, glossy names such as Rylan Clark, Alan Carr or Bradley Walsh might be in line for the job. But instead, bosses appear to have taken a very different route — choosing Josh’s dry wit, awkward charm and live comedy experience over a more obvious showbiz favourite.
For many fans, Rylan seemed like the natural choice. He is adored by Strictly viewers, has years of live TV experience, and has long been associated with the franchise through It Takes Two. His warmth, glamour and camp energy would have made him a popular pick. But according to insiders, the BBC was looking for something more specific: someone who could step into the comic space left by Claudia.
Claudia’s role was never just about reading lines or announcing scores. She brought humour, chaos, warmth and emotional release to the famous Clauditorium. At precisely the moment when celebrities were breathless, nervous or crushed by judges’ comments, Claudia could cut through the tension with a sharp joke, a strange aside or a comforting bit of silliness. ✨
That, sources say, is why producers decided early on that they probably needed a comedian.
A show insider claimed bosses wanted someone with quick wit — a performer capable of responding instantly, softening awkward moments and keeping contestants relaxed during the most stressful part of the show. For that, a stand-up comic made sense. Comedians are used to thinking on their feet, dealing with unpredictable crowds and turning uncomfortable silences into laughs.
Josh may not scream ballroom glamour, but that may be exactly the point. While Emma Willis brings polish, elegance and Saturday night professionalism, Josh offers something more offbeat. Insiders reportedly see the pairing as a fresh version of the Tess-and-Claudia dynamic: one smooth and glamorous host steering the show, with another bringing eccentric humour and unpredictable warmth. 🌟
In other words, Josh’s awkwardness may not be a weakness. It may be the whole appeal.
Those at the top are also said to view him as “posh but relatable” — a quality not unlike Claudia herself, who always managed to seem clever and sophisticated without ever appearing grand or untouchable. Josh’s self-deprecating style, geeky image and slightly uncomfortable comic energy could make him feel accessible to the loyal middle-England audience that has kept Strictly at the heart of Saturday night television for years.
His recent BBC Radio 2 debut may also have helped introduce him to exactly that audience. And his appearance on Claudia Winkleman’s show last month, while framed around promoting his comedy tour, now looks rather interesting in hindsight.
But Josh’s path to Strictly may also have been smoothed by someone very close to home: his wife, Rose Hanson. 💫
Rose, 43, is a highly respected television producer with deep links to comedy and the BBC. She has worked on major shows including Would I Lie To You? and Live At The Apollo, and has moved in the same professional circles as some of the biggest names in British entertainment. Her experience and connections may not have handed Josh the role outright, but they certainly place the couple close to the heart of the television world.
The pair, who married in 2019, divide their time between East London and Cornwall and share two children, Pearl and Cassius. Together, they are quietly regarded as a smart media power couple — not flashy, not tabloid-hungry, but deeply plugged into the comedy and broadcasting scene.
Josh’s long-running role on The Last Leg also appears to have been crucial. Since 2012, he has co-hosted the live Channel 4 satire show alongside Adam Hills and Alex Brooker, responding quickly to the week’s news and handling the demands of live television every Friday night. That matters. Strictly is live, unpredictable and emotionally charged — and presenters need to keep smiling when something goes wrong. ⚡
So while Josh may not be the glittering, obvious choice, he brings something bosses clearly value: live experience, comic instinct, long-term potential and a contrasting energy beside Emma.
The reported decision may disappoint Rylan fans, especially those who felt the role had his name written all over it. But BBC bosses seem to be betting that Strictly does not just need glamour. It needs chemistry, speed, humour and someone able to make nervous celebrities breathe again after a bruising dance.
And in that sense, Josh Widdicombe may be the unexpected risk that makes perfect sense. 🌹
