Josh Widdicombe has been spotted for the first time since reports claimed he is set to become one of the new faces of Strictly Come Dancing.
The comedian, 43, was seen leaving BBC studios on Saturday, offering a warm smile to cameras after being linked to one of the biggest presenting shake-ups in the show’s history.
According to reports, Josh is expected to join Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe in a refreshed hosting line-up as the BBC prepares to move Strictly into a new chapter following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Josh, best known for co-hosting The Last Leg alongside Alex Brooker and Adam Hills since 2012, is said to have impressed bosses with his quick wit, dry humour and ability to handle live television.
His potential appointment would also mark a major moment for the show, as he would become the first male presenter to front Strictly since Sir Bruce Forsyth, who hosted alongside Tess Daly before retiring in 2013.
Sir Bruce, who died in 2017, remains one of the programme’s most beloved figures, meaning Josh could be stepping into some very big shoes.
But insiders believe his natural comic timing could bring back the playful energy that Claudia Winkleman became famous for, while Emma Willis is expected to provide the steady, polished presenting style needed to guide the show.
A source previously said: “Josh blew the producers away with his dead-pan, witty banter. He is family friendly, having helmed several shows now, and loves Strictly.”
They 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.”
The insider also suggested the job could be career-changing for Josh, saying: “He’s not a household name, yet, and so to step into Brucie’s shoes would be a stellar move for his career.”
Josh is no stranger to the Strictly ballroom. He appeared on the 2024 Christmas Special dressed as a penguin, dancing with professional Karen Hauer, who will not be returning for the upcoming series.
Meanwhile, Emma Willis is widely reported to have been offered one of the main hosting roles after a highly competitive audition process.
The presenter, 50, is said to have impressed during chemistry tests, with BBC bosses reportedly viewing her as a “safe pair of hands” for one of Saturday night television’s most valuable shows.
A source said: “Emma has been offered the Strictly job and is going to accept. She absolutely nailed the chemistry tests and the BBC adore her.”
They added: “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.”
Johannes Radebe is also believed to be in line for a presenting role. The South African-born dancer and choreographer, 39, has been a professional on Strictly since 2018 and is already one of the show’s most popular stars.
One source claimed: “Everyone involved in the auditions – including the celebs – are saying the job is going to JoJo.”
They continued: “During the chemistry tests he was paired up with every other celeb and did incredibly well.”
The potential trio comes after weeks of speculation over who would replace Tess and Claudia, with several major names reportedly auditioning behind closed doors.
Zoe Ball recently revealed she had missed out on the job, admitting she was “working through the seven stages of grief and rejection” after being considered for the coveted role.
Other names linked to the process included Rylan, Tom Allen and The One Show presenter Alex Jones, as BBC bosses reportedly held secret auditions at a top-secret London location with a judging panel and live band.
One source said the process was about much more than reading an autocue, explaining: “It’s not just about reading autocue. They’ll be looking at how people work together and humour is a massive part of it. There’s everything to play for.”
Another insider said: “They really want to bring the fun this year. It’s all about chemistry, who clicks instantly and can keep the energy up live on air.”
While the BBC has not officially confirmed the new hosts, it told the Daily Mail: “Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.”
The shake-up comes as Strictly prepares for its 24th series, with returning professionals including Dianne Buswell, Nancy Xu, Vito Coppola, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Alexis Warr and Kai Widdrington.
However, Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas and Luba Mushtuk have reportedly been dropped from the professional line-up.
The judging panel is expected to remain unchanged, with Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton du Beke all returning.
For now, all eyes are on Josh, Emma and Johannes — and whether this unexpected new line-up can revive Strictly’s magic without losing the charm that made it a national favourite.
