JOSH’S JOKES 

Josh Widdicombe lifts lid on his ‘s**t’ Strictly role ahead of signing big-money deal to host BBC show

JOSH Widdicombe reckons his role on Strictly is the “s**t middle-aged bloke”.

The comedian, 43, is poised to sign a big-money deal to join Emma Willis as the new host of the BBC1 dance show — as we revealed last weekend.

Josh Widdicombe reckons his role on Strictly is the ‘s**t middle-aged bloke’Credit: Getty
We revealed Emma Willis as the new host of the BBC1 dance show last weekendCredit: Alamy
Josh told fans at his Not My Cup Of Tea show at London’s Hackney Empire on Friday: “I know how Strictly works.

“There’s always a st middle-aged bloke that makes everyone else look good.”

He was referring to the 2024 Strictly Christmas special when he danced with Karen Hauer after his super-fan daughter urged him to take part.

Josh, who is a presenter on Channel Four’s The Last Leg, said: “I have started doing old people’s TV shows and attracting older audiences.”

He added: “If I was to sum up the age I have reached — I did the Strictly Christmas special two years ago.

“I had the worst day of my career. We all had to get up and do a group dance. All the big celebs were there — me, Nitro from Gladiators. All the biggies.

“We all started dancing and I realised I was the worst dancer. This wasn’t meant to happen.

“When I signed up I knew I would be fine because I know how Strictly works. There’s always a s**t middle-aged bloke that makes everyone else look good.

“I was like, ‘Oh f**k. I am the s**t middle-aged guy. I am Adrian Chiles, je suis Jeremy Vine, that is who I am.

“Did I do well? I got a ten from Anton Du Beke. Is he the toughest judge? Yes he is. Don’t Google that’.”

Emma is understood to have been the first to be offered the hosting job.

Meanwhile, The Sun has revealed that pro dancer Johannes Radebe is being lined up as a roving reporter.

The BBC said its Strictly plans would be made public in due course.