Josh Widdicombe has reportedly been confirmed as one of the new faces of Strictly Come Dancing, joining Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe in what could become one of the biggest presenting shake-ups in the show’s history.
The comedian, 43, is said to have impressed BBC bosses after emerging last week as a surprise favourite to help front the much-loved dance competition. His appointment would make him the first male presenter to take on a major hosting role on Strictly since the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, who famously fronted the programme alongside Tess Daly until stepping down in 2013.
For Josh, the move would mark a huge career moment. Although he is best known for co-hosting The Last Leg with Alex Brooker and Adam Hills since 2012, he is not a complete stranger to the Strictly ballroom. He appeared on the 2024 Christmas Special dressed as a penguin, dancing alongside professional Karen Hauer, who will not be returning for the upcoming series.
According to insiders, BBC chiefs believe Josh could bring the dry humour and relaxed comic timing needed to replace some of the warmth and wit long associated with Claudia Winkleman. One source said earlier this week: “Josh blew the producers away with his dead-pan, witty banter. He is family friendly, having helmed several shows now, and loves Strictly.”
The insider added: “The bosses believe he will be ideal to take the show into a new era. After years as a stand-up, he can handle a live audience and is razor-sharp. He’s not a household name, yet, and so to step into Brucie’s shoes would be a stellar move for his career.”
The BBC has not officially confirmed the new presenting team, saying only: “Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.”
Josh is expected to join Emma Willis, who was reportedly offered the role after a highly competitive audition process. The presenter, 50, is said to have impressed during chemistry tests, with BBC bosses viewing her as a dependable and polished choice to guide the show through a sensitive new chapter.
A source previously claimed: “Emma has been offered the Strictly job and is going to accept. She absolutely nailed the chemistry tests and the BBC adore her. Emma is a household name and a safe pair of hands so the BBC know she will do the job justice. She’s incredibly popular with the public too and will suit the role down to a tee. She was absolutely thrilled to have been offered the job.”
Meanwhile, Johannes Radebe is also reportedly set to join the line-up in a presenting role. The South African-born dancer and choreographer, 39, has been part of Strictly as a professional since 2018, but insiders now believe he could be promoted as the BBC looks to refresh the show’s energy.
One source said: “Everyone involved in the auditions – including the celebs – are saying the job is going to JoJo. During the chemistry tests he was paired up with every other celeb and did incredibly well.”
The insider added: “They all think he would be the perfect partner for Emma. He has been announced as one of the returning professional dancers but that doesn’t mean bosses aren’t going to promote him.”
The reported new trio comes after weeks of intense speculation over who would replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Zoe Ball, who had been among the names linked to the role, recently admitted she had missed out, saying she was “working through the seven stages of grief and rejection.”
Behind the scenes, BBC bosses are said to have held secret auditions and chemistry tests at a private London location, with shortlisted stars reportedly signing strict NDAs before taking part in full-scale rehearsals complete with a judging panel and live band.
Names believed to have been involved in the final stages included Rylan Clark, Emma Willis, Tom Allen and The One Show presenter Alex Jones. A source said the broadcaster was focused on finding presenters who could bring fun, chemistry and live energy back to the ballroom.
“They really want to bring the fun this year,” the insider said. “It’s all about chemistry, who clicks instantly and can keep the energy up live on air. They could stick with two female hosts as that’s worked brilliantly. But they’re also open to mixing it up.”
Strictly’s 24th series will also see major changes among the professional dancers. Dianne Buswell, Nancy Xu, Vito Coppola, Julian Caillon, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Alexis Warr and Kai Widdrington are all expected to return.
However, Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas and Luba Mushtuk have reportedly been dropped from the line-up.
The judging panel is expected to remain unchanged, with Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton du Beke returning to cast their verdicts on the celebrities.
If the reports prove true, Josh’s arrival alongside Emma and Johannes would signal a bold new chapter for Strictly — one built on comedy, warmth and a clear attempt to move the show beyond the Tess and Claudia era without losing the sparkle that made it a Saturday night institution.
