Widdicombe finds emotional toll of Strictly hosting role 'sad'

Summarised from Evening Standard's report · Updated 9 Oct, 13:00 · Archive

Comedian Josh Widdicombe has opened up about the emotional difficulty of his new role as a Strictly Come Dancing host.

Josh Widdicombe, who joined Strictly Come Dancing as a host following Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly's exit, has spoken about the emotional difficulty of the role. The comedian appears as part of a presenting trio with Emma Willis and dancer Johannes Radebe. Speaking on the spin-off show It Takes Two on Thursday, Widdicombe said he had not anticipated how challenging eliminations would be. "I know this sounds weird but when I took the Strictly job I didn't realise how difficult eliminations was going to be, emotions would be... it's so intense, you feel terrible," he told host Ellie Taylor.

Widdicombe reflected on the split duties during results shows, where he joins Radebe upstairs to speak to couples who progress while Willis remains downstairs to reveal those facing elimination. He described being upstairs as 'a sweet gig' but acknowledged the difficulty for Willis in delivering the eliminations. Some viewers have criticised Widdicombe's hosting performance, claiming he appeared like a 'spare part' and blaming him for autocue issues and awkward pauses.

Read the report

• Josh Widdicombe reveals 'sad' side of Strictly job after fate of hosts 'revealed'The comedian has backlash over his presenting skills, with viewers saying he looks like a ‘spare part’Evening Standard · 9 Oct, 10:58

In this story: Josh Widdicombe · Emma Willis · Johannes Radebe · Claudia Winkleman · Tess Daly · Strictly Come Dancing

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