Comedian Josh Widdicombe has landed a prominent new role as one of the hosts of the long-running television dance competition Strictly Come Dancing, marking a significant milestone in his career. The announcement follows the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who hosted the show for more than two decades.

Widdicombe’s involvement began somewhat unexpectedly last October when he sent a lighthearted text to the show’s executive producer, Sarah James, jokingly offering to take the hosting job. Initially met with silence, the message was later credited with providing some much-needed levity during a difficult day, leading to further discussions months later. After being contacted again in March, Widdicombe met with producers and underwent a series of auditions, including interacting with judges Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke, and familiarizing himself with the show’s format alongside potential co-hosts.

The comedian officially joined Strictly’s new hosting trio alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe, with the launch show recorded recently and set to air on Saturday. Widdicombe described the experience as one of the pivotal moments of his career, alongside his previous appearance on the Strictly Christmas special and a major live comedy show at London’s O2 Arena.

Balancing his new role will be a challenge, as Widdicombe continues to co-host the popular podcast Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett, which has been downloaded over 400 million times since its inception in 2020. He also hosts a spin-off football-themed podcast and remains a regular presenter on Channel 4’s topical show The Last Leg. The comedian acknowledged the intensity ahead but expressed enthusiasm for the undertaking.

Widdicombe, 43, now lives in Exeter with his wife, Rose Hanson, a TV producer turned interior designer, and their two children. He described the pressures of his rising profile but remains grounded and confident in his abilities. Reflecting on his journey, he credited his growth to personal changes, including openly discussing mental health challenges, a breakdown in 2022, and his decision to stop drinking. These experiences, he said, have helped him develop greater self-assurance and a clearer sense of identity.

His audition process was notably discreet, with producers reportedly using a cover story that he was trying out for a gardening show. Despite initial self-doubt during his screen tests, Widdicombe’s natural rapport with his co-hosts quickly became apparent.

The new hosting format will differ from the previous two-host arrangement, though Widdicombe cautioned against judging the team based solely on the launch show, which involved extensive retakes. Addressing reports of production difficulties, he noted that such occurrences are common in television recording sessions and expressed confidence in the team’s chemistry and performance.

With this role, Widdicombe steps into a leading position on one of UK television’s most-watched entertainment programs, joining a slate of commitments that underscore his expanding presence in the media landscape.