Josh Widdicombe has been named the brand new Strictly host alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe. However what’s the comic actually like away from the ballroom?
What can Strictly Come Dancing followers anticipate from Josh Widdicombe? (inventory) (Picture: Getty)
After weeks of hypothesis over who would step into the footwear of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC lastly set followers’ minds relaxed on Monday night (Might 19).
In an Instagram submit, the broadcaster formally confirmed that Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe can be taking on presenting duties, with former Strictly professional and crowd favorite Johannes Radebe additionally becoming a member of the new-look lineup.
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Comic Josh’s appointment caught many viewers off guard as he prepares to swap his informal trainers for gleaming ballroom footwear forward of sequence 24, which launches in September. The 43-year-old is not the primary title that involves thoughts if you image glitter, pretend tan and rhinestones, but there’s a shrewd logic behind his appointment.
A fast scroll by way of his Instagram account presents a refreshingly candid glimpse into the lifetime of a person who is definite to convey loads of laughs to our screens. Way more at residence in a retro Plymouth Argyle soccer shirt than a ballroom tuxedo, it marks fairly the leap from the stand-up circuit to performing in entrance of a stay viewers of eight million viewers.
So what’s life actually like for the comedian moving into the prime-time glare?
Learn extra: Shirley Ballas shares trustworthy ideas on new Strictly hosts with six phrases
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‘Parenting Hell’ podcast fame
One take a look at Josh’s Instagram grid reveals a well-recognized face within the type of fellow comic, Rob Beckett. The duo stumbled upon a successful components with their massively profitable podcast, Parenting Hell, whereas Josh’s Instagram account comprehensively chronicles their journey from moaning about sleep deprivation over Zoom calls to promoting out the O2 Area.
Very like the podcast, his posts brilliantly seize the truth of up to date parenting as he juggles fame with elevating younger kids. Whether or not sharing clips of their witty exchanges or snapping backstage selfies with Rob, Josh has develop into a champion for exhausted mother and father throughout the UK.
He has additionally confirmed he has the outstanding capability to construct good chemistry with co-hosts similar to Rob, so followers might be eagerly anticipating an identical spark when he makes his Strictly debut.
90s nostalgia
Josh has firmly cemented himself because the undisputed king of area of interest Nineties nostalgia on social media – with posts dedicated to obscure Nineties Premier League footballers, classic Panini stickers and retro soccer kits.
Past sport, Josh often shares fond throwbacks to basic 90s tv and on a regular basis childhood reminiscences – themes that helped propel his e book, Watching Neighbours Twice a Day, to Sunday Instances bestseller standing.
Reminiscing concerning the previous offers us that heat, fuzzy feeling, very like Strictly itself. One can solely hope Josh brings those self same comforting vibes to the beloved BBC present.
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Busy life
Regardless of professing a choice for a quiet night at residence, Josh’s Instagram web page reveals an unrelenting work ethic. From tour posters to crowd pictures from his stand-up performances, his 562,000 followers are handled to a candid glimpse into life on the street.
He additionally often shares behind-the-scenes snaps from Channel 4’s The Final Leg, alongside co-hosts Adam Hills and Alex Brooker. Their chemistry and the spontaneous mayhem of stay broadcasting have evidently served as best preparation for managing Strictly’s unpredictable stay format.
Remaining verdict
Searching by way of Josh’s Instagram is like trying on the excellent CV for Strictly it appears. The comic is not making an attempt to domesticate a sophisticated showbiz persona; he is an bizarre dad who’s sure to attach with audiences nationwide.
He could also be swapping his fleece for formal apparel on Saturday evenings, however Josh possesses adequate stay tv and comedy credentials to resist the depth of the glittering ballroom highlight.
Josh seems equally smitten by getting underway. He stated of his Strictly position: “Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas Particular of Strictly stays my profession excessive level, so I’m giddy with pleasure, honoured and slightly overawed to be given the prospect to step into the most important footwear in tv. I am keen on Emma and Jojo and might’t wait to spend my weekends with them. I will mud off the penguin costume.”
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