New Strictly host Josh Widdicombe admits 'I'm not very well' as he reveals health issues ahead of series debut
The launch show airs this SaturdayJosh Widdicombe has revealed filming his first Strictly launch show left him exhausted and struggling with stomach problems.
Speaking on the Parenting Hell podcast, the comedian said he had not fully recovered from the demanding week. He is part of Strictly Come Dancing’s new hosting trio with Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe.
Josh said: “I’m not very well. I don’t want to go too graphic, but I’ve got stomach problems.”
He described constipation, stomach pains and repeated trips to the toilet. He also wondered whether he had a UTI, though he presented that only as his own suspicion.
Josh Widdicombe says Strictly launch show went well
Despite feeling unwell, Josh said the pre-recorded launch show itself had been a success. However, he could not remember ever feeling “so tired” in his life afterwards.
He admitted: “I still don’t feel like I’m fully recovered.”
His schedule had offered little chance to slow down. Josh performed in Dublin the following day, then returned home for a “full-on weekend of parenting”.
He insisted stress was not behind his condition, saying: “I’m not stressed, I’m tired.”
The packed schedule has also changed Josh’s expectations for the coming months. He added: “I think my autumn is going to be more full on than I anticipated.”
Josh Widdicombe faced a secret four-month audition
Josh, Emma and Johannes were announced as presenters in May. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman had stepped down the previous December.
The route to the ballroom lasted four months, with separate auditions followed by chemistry tests.
On The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, the trio described an intensely secret selection process. They compared the atmosphere to The Traitors, while bosses protected the project with an unlikely cover story.
They created a fictitious gardening programme explanation for drivers taking candidates to auditions. The cover title was The Great Garden Glow Up.
Josh joked that a cabbie might judge him for apparently chasing such a presenting job.
Candidates were first tested separately before producers brought different combinations together. Josh and Johannes admitted their eventual three-person grouping seemed unusual when they first entered the room.
Two weeks later, all three received confirmation that they had secured the jobs.
Emma Willis says Strictly roles remain open
The three presenters will not take direct equivalents of Tess and Claudia’s former duties.
Emma told The Rest Is Entertainment that producers were still trying different approaches during production days. She also rejected suggestions that Johannes would simply become a backstage roving reporter.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 begins at 7.25pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday September 19, 2026.
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