Comedian Josh Widdicombe is one of the many celebrities who have been rumoured to be the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing.
In October 2025, long standing hosts of the show, Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, announced they would be leaving Strictly at the end of the 23rd series.
Since Tess and Claudia left, there has been a lot of speculation about who could replace them, with other names like Emma Willis and Zoe Ball being thrown around.
He has danced in a Strictly Christmas special previously, but now he’s tipped to be the new host of the BBC show.
On Good Morning Britain (GMB) this morning (May 19), Josh sat on the sofa with Susanna Reid and Ed Balls and was asked if he’d be the new host.
Josh said: “Do not believe what you read in the papers.”
He added: “It’s lovely to be linked with the role” and that it’s an “impressive” job to do.
Josh shared: “It would be lovely to be the next host of Strictly Come Dancing.”
He said his daughter likes watching the show.
The GMB presenters said he wasn’t denying that he had the role or confirming he wasn’t the new host, and likened his answering technique to that of politicians.
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He insisted his neutral response “doesn’t mean anything” as Reid and Balls tried to crack him and find out if he had been given the job.
He said he was “glad” to be in the mix with the Strictly rumours.
Josh added: “I would love to do it.”
He also discussed parenthood and his podcast on the morning show.
Professionals confirmed for next Strictly series
Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed the professional dancers who will return to the show for its 2026 series, after five announced they would be leaving the programme earlier this year.
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The BBC also confirmed new professionals would be recruited and announced closer to the dancing show’s return in autumn to replace Gorka Marquez, Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova and Luba Mushtuk, who have left Strictly.
Returning from 2025’s series are Alexis Warr, Amy Dowden, Aljaz Skorjanec, Dianne Buswell, Johannes Radebe, Jowita Przystal, Julian Caillon, Kai Widdrington, Katya Jones, Lauren Oakley, Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Vito Coppola, and Carlos Gu, who won last year’s series with former England footballer Karen Carney.
Who would you like to be the new Strictly hosts? Tell us in the comments.
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