Josh Widdicombe Calls Strictly Appearance 'Worst Day Ever'

New Hosts for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Revealed

The upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing is set to bring a fresh wave of energy and excitement, with new hosts and returning professionals ready to take the stage. Among the most anticipated changes is the addition of comedian Josh Widdicombe, who has been named as the show’s new host. This follows the recent announcement that Emma Willis will also be joining the hosting team.

Josh Widdicombe, known for his sharp wit and comedic talent, made headlines when he jokingly referred to himself as the "st middle-aged bloke" on Strictly during a live show in London. His comment was a humorous nod to his appearance on the 2024 Christmas special, where he danced as a penguin alongside Karen Hauer. Despite the lighthearted tone of his remarks, the BBC bosses were clearly impressed by his performance and potential as a host.

Widdicombe's career in television includes co-hosting The Last Leg since 2012, where he showcased his ability to engage with live audiences and deliver witty banter. The BBC hopes that his comedic flair will bring a new dynamic to the show while maintaining its family-friendly appeal. Alongside Widdicombe, Emma Willis is expected to play a key role in steering the show forward. Her experience in presenting, particularly on The Voice UK and Big Brother, has made her a strong contender for the position.

Emma Willis has already impressed during the chemistry tests, which are a crucial part of the audition process for the host role. A source revealed that she "nailed the chemistry tests" and is seen as a "safe pair of hands" by the BBC. Her popularity with the public and her ability to connect with viewers make her an ideal choice for the role.

In addition to Widdicombe and Willis, Johannes Radebe is reportedly set to join the hosting lineup. The South African-born dancer and choreographer has been a professional on the show since 2018 and has shown great potential during the auditions. Sources suggest that he could be paired with Emma, creating a dynamic and engaging duo.

The selection process for the new hosts involved secret auditions and chemistry tests, with celebrities required to sign strict NDAs to keep the details confidential. Among those who were called for the final test were Rylan, Emma, Tom Allen, and Alex Jones. The BBC is hoping to make a decision soon, with the focus on finding the right mix of chemistry and energy to revitalize the show.

The 24th series of Strictly Come Dancing will see several returning professionals, including 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. New professional dancers are yet to be announced.

The celebrity contestants will be judged by Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton du Beke. With a mix of familiar faces and new talent, the upcoming season promises to be an exciting and entertaining addition to the long-running show.

Fans can expect a variety of performances, from classic dance routines to innovative new moves, as the competitors strive to win the title of champion. The BBC has emphasized the importance of chemistry and humor in the hosting team, with the goal of bringing back the fun and energy that has made Strictly Come Dancing a beloved staple of British television.

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