Josh Widdicombe will be a regular on Saturday night television soon as one of the new presenters of Strictly Come Dancing, but how much do you know about him as she joins the Strictly 2026 cast?
It’s not the first time the comedian has been part of the BBC show, once dancing in a former Christmas special.
With Strictly Come Dancing beginning very soon on BBC One, you may wish to know more about the new presenter.
Here is all to know about the new Strictly host.
Who is Josh Widdicombe?
Widdicombe is an English comedian, presenter and actor, best known for his work on the likes of The Last Leg, Mock the Week and his BBC Three sitcom Josh.
Born in Hammersmith, the star grew up in Devon before studying sociology and linguistics at the University of Manchester.
He later completed a master’s degree in magazine journalism at City, University of London.
Widdicombe began performing stand-up in 2008, reaching the final of So You Think You’re Funny? at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe that same year.
He went on to co-write and perform in the sketch show Superclump in 2009 and appeared alongside comedians James Acaster and Nick Helm.
His debut solo show, If This Show Saves One Life…, earned him a Best Newcomer nomination at the Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards in 2011.
Widdicombe became a regular on Stand Up for the Week in 2012 and made his first appearance on Mock the Week that July.
He has also contributed to radio programmes such as BBC Radio 4’s Arthur Smith’s Balham Bash and Absolute Radio’s The Frank Skinner Show, and has written for comedy panel shows including Mock the Week and 8 Out of 10 Cats.
The funnyman went onto support comedy heavyweights such as Russell Howard, Michael McIntyre, Alan Carr, Stephen Merchant and Shappi Khorsandi on tour.
What has Josh Widdicombe said about hosting Strictly?
Widdicombe’s first appearance on Strictly Come Dancing was during the 2024 Christmas special, where he performed a Charleston with professional dancer Karen Hauer, dressed as a penguin.
In May, he was announced as one of the new hosts of the main series, following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Mr Widdicombe said: "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."
For all things Strictly, read our article here - Latest Strictly Come Dancing updates including start date, new hosts, lineup and more
Josh Widdicombe could perform on Strictly again
Widdicombe may soon be back on the dancefloor, as reports suggest he and his co-hosts are preparing a group routine for the series launch.
According to The Sun, the trio are learning a dance together for the launch show—marking a notable break from tradition.
Strictly professional Neil Jones told Radio Times: "Honestly, they've been incredible.
"They jumped in.
"They've wanted to dance as well, which is amazing.
"Mainly Jojo's persuaded them to do it, but it's really lovely to see Jojo dancing again, and then Josh and Emma."
When does Strictly Come Dancing start?
Strictly Come Dancing’s first episode will air on Saturday, September 19.
Viewers can tune in to see the 2026 launch show from 7.25pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
The live shows start on Saturday, September 26 and will air every Saturday until December 19 – the final weekend before Christmas.
December 19 will be the weekend of the grand final and the week viewers will find out who takes home the Glitterball trophy.
Will you be watching the new series of Strictly Come Dancing? Let us know in the comments.
What do you think about Josh Widdicombe joining the presenting team on Strictly Come Dancing? Let us know in the comments.
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