Strictly fans rage after Josh Widdicombe is ‘offered host job’

Josh Widdicombe is reportedly the final Strictly host (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock) Josh Widdicombe is reportedly the third and final host set to join Strictly Come Dancing – and people are not happy. After reports emerged that Emma Willis and fan-favourite pro Johannes Radebe have been tapped to take over from Strictly legends Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, it now looks as though Josh will be completing the trio. The comedian and Last Leg host was said to have had a ‘razor-sharp’ audition as one of the finalists for the coveted BBC role, and it appears his onscreen chemistry with Emma nabbed him the gig. The national broadcaster believes he’s ‘the man for the job’. The insider continued to The Sun: ‘He entered the running a little later than the others, but he nailed the chemistry tests. Get personalised updates on Strictly Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. ‘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. If true, he’ll be joining the show with Emma Willis (Picture: Shutterstock) And pro dancer Johannes in a newly-founded presenting role (Picture: Simon Ackerman/WireImage) ‘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.’ Josh has previously appeared on the show in the 2024 Christmas special. Meanwhile, Johannes is tipped to take up a ‘roving reporter’ role as a bridge between the two and a fresh perspective for fans in this new era of the flagship show. But viewers are already unimpressed by the latest development and are not sold on the idea of comedian Josh taking up the mantle. ‘Emma is great for this but giving her Josh to work with is… not it. Would be a real shame,’ SuperTV247 wrote on X, comparing the situation to Caroline Flack and Olly Murs brief failed stint as hosting duo on X Factor in 2015. ‘Immediately no,’ Amie reflected. ‘Not Josh!! Defo not the right fit!,’ Rhy shared. The totally unexpected pick has thrown fans who are more than sceptical about the choice (Picture: Matt Crossick/PA Media Assignments) The TV comic starred in the 2024 Christmas special(Picture: BBC) Over on Reddit, SiriusBlack99999 shared: ‘If this is true, never in a million years would I have even thought he would want to host Strictly. This is just too weird, and my head hurts just thinking about it’ ‘I don’t think they are a good choice. Who the hell decided this??’ TCP36C reflected. ‘If this is true I seriously cannot see it working… in any way shape or form,’ EquivalentBoss2406 said. In defence of Josh Widdicombe Metro’s Senior TV Reporter Asyia Iftikhar shares why people should give Josh a chance. As others have mentioned, Josh is not a name I would have thrown into the mix in a million years, but that’s exactly why I’m intrigued by this twist. Surely there would have been a reason he caught the boss’s eye, and I want to see what spark he brought to the table that beat out so many other veteran presenters like Zoe Ball and Rylan. Strictly has kept the same formula for over years, it’s the perfect time for them to radically mix it up and see what happens if they want to bring new audiences and reach old heights. I, for one, am willing to see what magic Josh might whip up on the dancefloor and how he will make the role his own. Read more on why Josh could be a good fit here. He’d be stepping into the shoes of Sir Bruce Forsyth if true (Picture: BBC) Others are more optimistic about the potential appointment, which would mark the first main male presenter since Sir Bruce Forsyth. ‘Wow that is not a name I would have guessed in a million years. I think he’d be pretty decent though!’ muffinator added. ‘Quite possibly a good choice if it’s true. I can see why it would make sense to have a comedian in the Claudia role rather than a traditional presenter,’ mgorgey pointed out. ‘Honestly I see the vision and I would be very willing to give Josh a chance,’ jthw5 decided. The BBC has previously shared that plans for Strictly Come Dancing will be revealed in due course. Josh is not the only one Strictly fans are pushing back against. They’ve also expressed their concern about JoJo’s new speculated role, calling it a ‘waste’ of his talents and worried he’s not quite the right fit. Deals of the Day K-beauty is taking over skincare in 2026 – and this new serum is leading the way The best outdoor candles to buy now for alfresco dining and bug-free nights This tablet recreates the feeling of writing on paper – without the mess Shopping for new bedding? Simba Sleep’s latest launch has options for every sleeper Buy one, get 50% off – stock up on SPF for less with iHerb's limited time deal Meanwhile, some stars have publicly confirmed they didn’t land the role, including former Radio 2 host Zoe, who opened up about processing the ‘rejection’ and It Takes Two star Fleur East, who was left ‘bothered’ by being totally overlooked. Got a story? If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you. Arrow MORE: Eurovision fans convinced Delta Goodrem will be crowned winner – but some feel conflicted Arrow MORE: Who is in the final of Eurovision 2026? Latest odds, running order and more Arrow MORE: BBC announces Strictly legend La Voix’s major role in Eurovision Grand Final TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.