Rumoured new Strictly Come Dancing host Josh Widdecombe jokes about doing 'old people's TV shows'
During a stand-up gig this week, Josh Widdicombe joked about how he has "started doing old people's TV shows" amid reports he is the new host of Strictly Come Dancing.
Josh Widdicombe joked about how he has "started doing old people's TV shows" amid reports he is the new host of Strictly Come Dancing.
The 43-year-old comic is reported to have been offered the high-profile job alongside Big Brother's Emma Willis and while he hasn't directly confirmed the news, he joked about his participation in the show's 2024 Christmas special during a stand-up show in London on Friday (15.05.26) night.
According to The Sun on Sunday newspaper, Josh joked to the audience in the Hackney Empire: “I have started doing old people’s TV shows and attracting older audiences.
“If I was to sum up the age I have reached — I did the Strictly Christmas special two years ago.
“I had the worst day of my career. We all had to get up and do a group dance. All the big celebs were there — me, Nitro from Gladiators. All the biggies.
“We all started dancing and I realised I was the worst dancer. This wasn’t meant to happen.
“When I signed up I knew I would be fine because I know how Strictly works. There’s always a s*** middle-aged bloke that makes everyone else look good.
“I was like, ‘Oh f***. I am the s*** middle-aged guy. I am Adrian Chiles, je suis Jeremy Vine, that is who I am.
“Did I do well? I got a ten from Anton Du Beke. Is he the toughest judge? Yes he is. Don’t Google that’.”
It was claimed a few days ago that The Last Leg co-host had been offered the coveted Strictly job following the departures of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Josh has been offered the job alongside Emma, and it’s his for the taking. He entered the running a little later than the others, but he nailed the chemistry tests.
"Josh is so good at live TV thanks to co-hosting The Last Leg on Channel 4 and he’s also quick-witted, kooky, awkward and funny."
Josh is seen as the perfect candidate to replace Claudia's comedy on the show, while Emma is seen as a Tess-like figure.
The insider continued: "He can bring the comedy they need like Claudia Winkelman did in the ‘Claudatorium’ while Emma is seen as the sensible one, like Tess Daly.
"The BBC have told Josh he’s the man they want for the job."
Meanwhile, it was recently suggested that Emma has already accepted an offer to join Strictly.
The Big Brother host "absolutely nailed the chemistry tests" and the BBC see her as a perfect candidate for one of the presenting roles.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Emma has been offered the Strictly job and is going to accept. She absolutely nailed the chemistry tests and the BBC adore her...
"She was absolutely thrilled to have been offered the job."
Emma, 50, is also thrilled that the BBC is trusting her with hosting one of its flagship TV shows.
The broadcaster recognised that Strictly is "one of the biggest shows on television" and she's proud to lead the long-running show into a new era.
The insider said: "Strictly is one of the biggest shows on television and to be trusted with the new era is something Emma feels incredibly proud and humbled by."
Current Strictly professional dancer Johannes Radebe is also expected to be part of the presenting team as a roving reporter.
