Comedian Josh Widdicombe, who has been confirmed as one of three new hosts for Strictly Come Dancing, has opened up about his decision to leave London after two decades and return to Devon. The 43-year-old, who will join Johannes Radebe and Emma Willis in presenting the show, moved back to the South West last summer with his wife Rose Hanson and their two children.
Why Josh Widdicombe Left London
Speaking with ITV News, Widdicombe explained his reasoning for leaving the capital: "I just wanted my kids to grow up in a garden and to be able to go out and do stuff and enjoy themselves and it not feel stressful." He added, "You don't realise how stressful living in London is until you leave. You leave and you're like 'oh my God, you can breathe again.'"
Life in Devon
Widdicombe, who spent much of his childhood in the small village of Haytor Vale on Dartmoor, now resides in Exeter. He described the South West as being like "no other place in the UK" and said his children love the new environment, though he joked they might be angry at his decision when they become teenagers.
One thing he has maintained is his support for Plymouth Argyle. Despite moving to Exeter, he declined to switch loyalties: "I don't hate Exeter because I'm a Plymouth Argyle fan, I feel a bit of a fondness for them because I like all the West Country clubs. But obviously my son won't come anywhere near an Exeter City shirt and my daughter's been very clear to me that she hates football."
New Strictly Hosts
Widdicombe, who featured in the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly Come Dancing, expressed his excitement about the new role: "Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly remains my career high point, so I am giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television. I adore Emma and Jojo and can't wait to spend my weekends with them. I'll dust off the penguin costume."
Strictly's Executive Producer Sarah James welcomed his addition, saying: "Josh had us all in stitches with his unique style of self-deprecating humour and razor-sharp wit - and let's not forget, he got a ten from Anton in the Christmas Special, so I think he already considers himself a pro dancer..."
Josh Widdicombe's Career
Widdicombe's prominence has grown steadily since 2012 when he began fronting Channel 4's The Last Leg. His parenting podcast with Rob Beckett, Parenting Hell, frequently ranks among Apple's most popular podcasts.
