Hotly tipped new Strictly host says last appearance on show was ‘worst day of my career’

Entertainment
18 May 2026 • 6:21 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Hotly tipped new Strictly host says last appearance on show was ‘worst day of my career’

  • Comedian Josh Widdicombe is widely tipped to become one of the new presenters for the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, following the departures of long-standing hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
  • Widdicombe recently described his 2024 appearance on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special as the “worst day” of his career, despite receiving a score of 10 from judge Anton Du Beke.
  • He participated in the Christmas special, partnered with professional dancer Karen Hauer, at the request of his daughter, and humorously referred to himself as the “s*** middle-aged bloke” on the show.
  • Reports suggest that Widdicombe could be joined by former Big Brother presenter Emma Willis and Strictly professional dancer Johannes Radebe as new hosts.
  • Several other celebrities, including Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, Fleur East, and Angela Scanlon, have either ruled themselves out or seemingly missed out on the coveted presenting roles.

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