Josh Widdicombe Landed 'Strictly' Hosting Gig Via Jokey Text

Josh Widdicombe has shared how a casual text message to a BBC producer resulted in his new role as a presenter for Strictly Come Dancing, a position he described as a significant career moment.

Widdicombe made his debut on the pre-recorded launch show on Saturday night, co-hosting alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe. The addition of a third presenter to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who hosted for 21 years, has drawn mixed reactions from viewers. Many social media users questioned the necessity of three hosts.

The comedian recounted that on the day Daly and Winkleman announced their departure last October, he texted Sarah James, the show's executive producer whom he had met while participating in the 2024 Christmas special. Widdicombe jokingly wrote, "All right, I'll take the job." The following day, James replied that his message had been the only thing to make her laugh during a difficult day, initiating the process that led to his audition.

Widdicombe admitted to The Times that he will likely discuss the event with a therapist for years to come, wondering if the joke was a subconscious career move. Following the text exchange, he was invited for a series of auditions.

"I thought I was rubbish," Widdicombe said of the initial try-outs, during which he had to interact with judges and production staff posing as contestants. He described feeling unnatural and unsure of his physical presence. However, when he auditioned alongside Johannes and Emma for the first time, the dynamic shifted.

"From the moment we met, everyone was on the same wavelength, everyone was laughing," he recalled. Recording the launch show solidified his confidence, leading him to believe, "Oh no, we're good at this, this is fun. I am confident in this. I am not a rubbish comedian, I know that."

Widdicombe also commented on his newfound confidence, stating, "I have a confidence in myself I'd never had before." He suggested that his current persona, shaped by his podcast "Parenting Hell," settling down, having children, and moving to Devon, suits him at this stage of his life.

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing commenced on Saturday night with the launch show, featuring the new presenting trio, a format adjustment, and 15 celebrity contestants. The judges—Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke—also returned.

Widdicombe expressed his excitement mixed with nerves about his role, while Emma Willis stated, "We cannot wait to spend the next 13 weeks with all of you." Viewers largely praised Willis, but many questioned the need for three presenters. Comments on social media platforms indicated a period of adjustment for the audience.

The new presenting arrangement is described as fluid, with Emma, Josh, and Johannes exploring different combinations during the launch episode. The pre-recorded show saw celebrities discover their professional dance partners as they began their journey toward the Glitterball trophy. Tess Daly, in a social media post before the show, wished the new hosting team good luck.