The announcement of the next Strictly Come Dancing hosts is imminent, and I am ready to give Josh Widdicombe a chance. Last week, The Sun reported that Emma Willis had secured one of the spots left by longtime presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. As a veteran TV host who has helmed major franchises like Big Brother, Love Is Blind UK, and The Voice, the 50-year-old is more than ready to take on the BBC's flagship series. Her bright and bubbly onscreen presence, matched with her grounded experience, makes her an obvious pick. But who she is paired with is equally crucial.
The Final Contenders
After former Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball confirmed she was unsuccessful, and other finalists such as Angela Scanlon and Rylan were also said to be out of the running, the choices for the final pick are thin on the ground. While Zoe is steadfast, as an It Takes Two alum with a similar hosting style and career background to Claudia and Tess, I believe it would have been an uninspired decision. After weighing up the rest of the rumoured contenders, I am certain that I would love to see the BBC take a chance on comedian Josh Widdicombe, 43.
A Fresh Direction
Latest reports indicate that the role is his for the taking, with an insider for The Sun saying bosses believe him to be 'the man for the job'. It was already an unexpected twist after reports emerged that he was the final celebrity to audition for the coveted gig, with insiders claiming he wowed bosses with his 'razor-sharp' performance. Although many viewers are unhappy with the potential appointment, sharing that they simply don't think he's the right fit, I am feeling more generous. The more I think about it, the more on board I am, and I think it's only fair we give this leftfield idea a chance before writing it off.
A New Era for Strictly
It is clear the BBC wants to create a new era for the show, with fresh hosts, new pros, and a new vision for the spin-off. There is no better way to do it than mixing up the hosting combo. Both Tess and Claudia were stalwart presenters whose shoes will be filled by Emma. But if the BBC takes a chance on Josh, they open exciting new avenues for humour, a delightfully chaotic dynamic between the duo, and may draw in a brand new audience intrigued by such a rogue decision. What makes it so genius is that putting his name in the running would never have occurred to me in a million years – and that is what makes it so alluring.
Experience and Appeal
Beyond cracking funny jokes, Josh also has enough presenting experience under his belt to hold his own, not least after co-hosting Channel 4's hit show The Last Leg for 14 years. Also, he is a Taskmaster legend, which comes with its own built-in audience who follow their favourite comedians wherever they wander. It is a surefire way to bring in a new crop of viewers. Of course, it won't be an easy task with a big legacy to follow. If Josh truly has the job, he will be the first male presenter since Sir Bruce Forsyth, whose effervescent personality was a key part of Strictly's popularity back in the day.
A Dream Team
Meanwhile, if the rumours that fan-favourite pro dancer Johannes Radebe will come on board as a host in some capacity, then I would be even more excited at the prospect of the trio. With JoJo as the dance expert and roving reporter, and Emma and Josh anchoring the show as the full-time presenters, it is a match made in heaven. With declining viewing figures over the years and an ageing audience demographic, a combination like Emma and Josh (with Johannes as a bonus!) might just be the boost the show needs to return to its old heights. Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One this autumn.
