By the end of the week, the next hosts of Strictly Come Dancing will likely be announced, and there is one duo that many are eager to see. According to reports, media personality Emma Willis has secured one of the spots left vacant by longtime presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. As a veteran TV host who has helmed major franchises such as 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 as it enters a new era. Her bright and bubbly onscreen presence, matched with her grounded experience, makes her an obvious pick.
However, who she is paired with is just as crucial. 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 limited. While Zoe is a steadfast presenter, her hosting style and career background are very similar to Claudia and Tess, which would have been an uninspired decision. After weighing up the rest of the rumoured contenders, many believe that the BBC should take a chance on comedian Josh Widdicombe, 43.
It was already an unexpected twist when reports emerged that he was the final celebrity to take part in auditions for the coveted gig, with insiders claiming he wowed bosses with his 'razor-sharp' performance. The more one thinks about it, the more appealing the idea becomes. The BBC clearly wants to create a new era for the show, with fresh hosts, new professionals, and a new vision for the spin-off. There is no better way to achieve this than by 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 many in a million years – and that is what makes it so alluring. Beyond cracking funny jokes, Josh also has enough presenting experience to hold his own, not least after co-hosting Channel 4's hit show The Last Leg for 14 years. Additionally, 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 will not be an easy task with a big legacy to follow. If Josh gets 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. With declining viewing figures over the years and an ageing audience demographic, a combination like Emma and Josh might just be the boost the show needs to return to its old heights.
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One this autumn.
