Josh Widdicombe's Father Reflects on Son's Success and 'Show-Off' Tendencies

Josh Widdicombe, known for his bumbling persona and a fashion sense once compared to Bilbo Baggins, has taken on the role of co-host for the popular BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, a move that has surprised many.

While Widdicombe has built a career playing an exasperated everyman, behind the scenes he has quietly accumulated a business and property empire valued at £12 million. His father, Tom, a 76-year-old horse trainer and self-proclaimed 'full-on hippy' from the 1960s, finds amusement in his son's new mainstream status. Tom still operates a market stall in Devon selling vintage tools and jokes that locals inquire about his son's earnings.

Tom, who lives on Dartmoor with Josh's mother, Sarah, an environmental activist, noted the paradox of his son appearing on a commercially exploited television show, given his own counter-cultural background. He shared that both he and his son share a trait of enjoying to 'show off.'

'One of the things I have learned off him is he doesn’t mind showing off,' Tom told Totnes Pulse magazine. 'What is interesting about the TV industry is the way you are treated... They are all so professional, every link in the chain. Having observed Josh, he is so professional in everything he does.' He added, 'It’s very addictive, showing off. I think that’s why I like the stall – I show off like hell.'

Widdicombe's journey to co-hosting Strictly, a role previously held by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, was unexpected for many viewers who might know him from Channel 4's The Last Leg or his stand-up tours.

His financial success stems from ventures beyond traditional television. The podcast "Parenting Hell," launched in 2020 with fellow comedian Rob Beckett, became a hit, leading to live arena shows and a best-selling book. Companies House filings indicate that even before his Strictly appointment, Widdicombe's main company, Troublems Limited, held £5.8 million in assets, while his property company, Penrose Lodging Limited, had £2.7 million. He also purchased a £2.95 million family home, formerly owned by Noel Edmonds, in Exeter.

His father attributes Josh's success to a strong work ethic, inherited from his mother's side of the family. Tom recalled his son's determination to earn money as a teenager, including a summer working at a petrol station.

Despite his financial achievements, Widdicombe has spoken about money anxiety, admitting he delays paying tax bills due to his aversion to large sums leaving his account. He has also been candid about the personal toll of his demanding workload, which led to burnout, anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia before he gave up alcohol and sought help with antidepressants.

Former Strictly professional dancer Brendan Cole commented on Widdicombe's role, suggesting he appeared like a 'lamb to the slaughter' in contrast to more polished co-hosts like Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe. Cole noted that while Widdicombe is a good presenter and fun to watch, his comedic background might have made his position feel out of place.

Interestingly, Tom Widdicombe stated that he does not watch Strictly Come Dancing himself but expressed a desire for more of his own taste of the showbiz world, humorously adding, 'Anybody need an old hippy? Give me a shout.'