All posts tagged: Widdicombe

Strictly: Josh Widdicombe nearly turned down chance to audition for presenter role

Strictly: Josh Widdicombe nearly turned down chance to audition for presenter role

Published by Daniella Wilson

Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Josh Widdicombe is waltzing into the Strictly spotlight as one of three new hosts – but he almost decided to turn down the opportunity. The comedian will present the show alongside Emma Willis and former professional Johannes Radebe, two years after appearing as a contestant on the Christmas special. However, he wasn’t initially sure he wanted to step into Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s shoes after being offered a chance to audition for the role due to the high-profile nature of the gig. Josh Widdicombe had reservations about auditioning for ‘Strictly’ role (BBC/So Television) “When the call came initially just for the meeting, I thought, ‘I really like my life, would I want to throw it into flux?’ Because it’s a big thing, it’s a defining thing that you’re suddenly doing it. But I just thought, ‘What an incredible thing to …

Josh Widdicombe The Last Leg future revealed after Strictly casting

Josh Widdicombe The Last Leg future revealed after Strictly casting

Published by Daniella Wilson

Following the news that Josh Widdicombe will be part of the new presenting team on Strictly Come Dancing, fans of The Last Leg had worried that this might impact his work on that long-running Channel 4 show. However, it now appears there is no reason to fear, as Channel 4 has reportedly confirmed to The Sun that Widdicombe will be remaining on The Last Leg, alongside his co-star Adam Hills and Alex Brooker. The publication has reported that the filming dates for The Last Leg don’t clash with those for Strictly, meaning he will be able to appear in both shows. Radio Times has reached out to Channel 4 for comment or confirmation. Johannes Radebe, Josh Widdicombe, and Emma Willis pose in front of a purple background. BBC/Ray Burmiston The Last Leg, which recently finished airing its 34th season, has been airing on Channel 4 since 2012, when it originally ran alongside that year’s Summer Paralympics. It has since become a more general satirical talk show reviewing the week’s events. Widdicombe, who has been part of …

Strictly: Why shock host Josh Widdicombe is actually a genius choice for this embattled show

Strictly: Why shock host Josh Widdicombe is actually a genius choice for this embattled show

Published by Daniella Wilson

Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter For months, the question of who would replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly has been one of the biggest topics in UK showbiz – and no one could have predicted that the answer would involve the bumbling comedian Josh Widdicombe. Finding a duo as iconic as Daly and Winkleman to present Strictly was clearly too much of a challenge for the BBC, so the news came that three (three!) presenters would be taking over the glitziest show on TV. Emma Willis, whose name had been widely reported on, felt like a predictable and safe, but strong, choice. Johannes Radebe, a beloved former Strictly pro, was more surprising, yet was instantly enveloped into the fandom’s warm embrace. But Josh Widdicombe? Now that name seemed to come out of nowhere. Not that he lacks experience; over the years, Widdicombe has transitioned …

Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe And Johannes Radebe Are New Strictly Hosts

Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe And Johannes Radebe Are New Strictly Hosts

Published by Sam Flores

The worst-kept secret in showbiz is finally out: Strictly Come Dancing finally has its new hosts. On Tuesday, the BBC announced in an Instagram post that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe would be stepping into the ballroom as the new hosts of Strictly when the show returns to our screens later this year. Emma said: “It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Strictly – I’ve cheered and danced along from my sofa for years – so to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend.” “It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind – two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long,” she continued. “I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter. “I can’t wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and the judges. Fingers crossed for a 10 from them!” Emma Willis is one …

Josh Widdicombe ‘to co-host Strictly Come Dancing’

Josh Widdicombe ‘to co-host Strictly Come Dancing’

Published by Sam Flores

Josh Widdicombe is set to become the new co-host of Strictly Come Dancing. The 43-year-old comedian is reportedly poised to line up alongside Emma Willis as the new co-hosts of Strictly, while Johannes Radebe has landed a role as a “roving reporter” behind the scenes. 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 …