Josh Widdicombe, the comedian and newly announced host of Strictly Come Dancing, has been forced to hit pause on renovations at his lavish new Devon property, formerly owned by TV legend Noel Edmonds, after a planning row surfaced. The 43-year-old star, joined by his interior designer wife Rose Hanson, had purchased the Grade II listed mansion earlier this year for a staggering £3 million, marking a major move from their London townhouse and a return to Josh’s Devon roots.
The sprawling estate, covering 7,500 square feet, features five en-suite bedrooms along with a separate one-bedroom coach house, offering Josh, Rose, and their children — seven-year-old daughter Pearl and four-year-old son Cassius — the extra space they’ve long sought. The property is steeped in history, having once belonged to Edmonds, the beloved host of Noel’s House Party and Deal or No Deal, who famously entertained audiences from his Crinkley Bottom mansion alongside the iconic pink-and-yellow Mr Blobby.
However, excitement quickly turned to frustration as builders discovered that the couple had not obtained the necessary planning permission to proceed with certain renovations. According to sources at The Sun, Josh’s agent immediately submitted a retrospective application once the oversight was uncovered, halting work on the property while the council reviewed the plans.
The renovations, which Rose stated included reopening a historic doorway and repositioning architraves, had already begun but were left incomplete due to the planning issue. Fortunately, the local council has now approved the application, describing the proposals as “positive,” allowing work to recommence.
Josh and Rose’s decision to purchase the Devon home followed the sale of their £2.3 million London townhouse last summer, a move driven by the desire to provide a more spacious family environment and to be closer to Josh’s childhood haunts. The house, with its period features and ample grounds, offers a blend of historical charm and modern luxury, perfect for the couple’s young family.
Reflecting on the property’s history, Josh previously discussed the house and its famous former owner on the Parenting Hell podcast with fellow comedian Rob Beckett. Josh clarified that while the mansion had been Edmonds’ home, it was not the same as the fictional Crinkley Bottom set seen on Saturday night television. Nonetheless, he admitted to the absurdity of its past, laughing off Rob’s cheeky comment about Edmonds’ private life in the property.
Josh’s acquisition comes at a time of personal and professional milestones. Earlier this week, he was unveiled as one of Strictly Come Dancing’s new hosts, alongside Emma Willis and professional dancer Johannes Radebe, taking over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after 22 years of the duo-host format. Josh described himself as the “runt of the litter” compared to his striking co-hosts, but expressed excitement for the opportunity and the dynamic trio format.
Speaking about the new role, Josh joked about his stature and the practicalities of presenting alongside taller co-stars, predicting playful challenges during the upcoming Halloween special. His camaraderie with co-hosts is already apparent, with behind-the-scenes footage showing them practicing dance moves, laughing, and enjoying the energy of the show’s set.
While Josh adjusts to his new high-profile role, back home in Devon, he faces the less glamorous realities of property ownership and planning regulations. The Grade II listing of the mansion means that any renovation work requires careful permission to preserve its historical features. This has meant temporarily halting work on features such as doorway restorations and interior adjustments. Sources say the couple are keen to respect the property’s heritage while ensuring it meets the needs of their modern family.
Edmonds’ own history with the house was not without drama. The former TV host purchased it for £1.36 million in October 2006 following his divorce from his second wife, Helen Soby, and the success of Deal or No Deal. He carried out extensive renovations, only for the house to become embroiled in a bitter legal battle after he was sued by a former friend over unpaid building work. Edmonds later sold the mansion in 2008 for over £2 million but was ordered to pay £600,000 plus legal fees in the 2011 court ruling.
For Josh and Rose, however, the property represents a fresh start — a chance to put down roots in a family-friendly location while embracing both the heritage and the space for their children to grow up. Their purchase signals a significant lifestyle change from city life in London to the quieter, scenic setting of Devon, closer to Josh’s formative years.
The renovation hold-up has not dampened their excitement, according to sources. Rose is actively involved in overseeing the redesign and restoration, ensuring the interiors balance historical elegance with contemporary comfort. The couple’s attention to detail reflects their desire to make the mansion a true family home while respecting its Grade II status.
Meanwhile, Josh’s career is reaching new heights. His appointment as a Strictly host represents a significant shift in his professional profile, transitioning from stand-up comedy and guest presenting to leading one of the UK’s most iconic entertainment shows. The show’s producers are banking on the trio’s chemistry and dynamic personalities to revitalize the format and attract audiences.
Fans have already shown keen interest in the new team. Josh’s humor and self-deprecating style have been well received, particularly in combination with Willis’ presenting experience and Radebe’s professional dance expertise. The three have expressed enthusiasm for the challenge, with Josh describing the experience as “surreal” and “thrilling.”
Despite the work delays at their Devon home, Josh and Rose remain committed to turning the mansion into a warm and practical family space. From restoring architectural features to integrating modern amenities, the couple’s vision blends luxury with livability, creating a home suitable for both family life and entertaining.
With renovations now approved to resume and Josh settling into his role on Strictly, the couple look forward to a summer of transformation — both on screen and off. Fans can expect glimpses of the property and the family’s life as the work progresses, alongside the high-energy performances on Strictly Come Dancing.
The Devon mansion, once the stage for Edmonds’ post-Deal or No Deal lifestyle, now provides a new canvas for Josh Widdicombe and Rose Hanson to craft a home that reflects their family’s personality and needs. Balancing history, heritage, and modern living, the property promises to be a focal point of both their private and public lives in the coming months.
With the Strictly launch on the horizon and renovations back on track, Josh and Rose are entering a busy but exciting chapter. The family’s Devon retreat is set to become a beloved home, blending historical significance with modern comfort, while Josh takes centre stage in one of Britain’s most popular entertainment programmes.
Source: The Daily Mail
