Shirley Ballas reveals exactly when we'll find out who new Strictly presenters are as Josh Widdicombe grilled over role
They both appeared on Good Morning Britain today…
Josh Widdicombe appeared on Good Morning Britain today (May 19), and he was forced to address reports that he’s about to be named as one of the new presenters of Strictly Come Dancing.
Over the weekend, Josh’s name was thrown into the Strictly hosting frame with reports that he’ll be one of the show’s three new presenters. It’s reported that he’ll join Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe at the helm of the 2026 series when it returns in September.
Zoe Ball recently revealed she’d been turned down for the job. Now, Josh has been asked about the reports on live TV…
Josh Widdicombe addresses reports he’s one of the new Strictly presenters
Speaking to GMB hosts Ed Balls and Susanna Reid, Josh tried to avoid the question as he told them: “Do not believe what you read in the papers. You’re both public figures, you’re aware of this but, you know, we’re all thinking, who would we want, obviously?”
Pressed further by Susanna, she asked him outright: “Are you the new presenter of Strictly Come Dancing?”
He responded: “It’s lovely to be linked with the role. I think it’s an impressive thing to have on your CV being linked to Strictly and I think I’d do a lovely job.”
Swerving the question again, he added: “If I was casting it, I’d look for a couple that have got Strictly heritage, two stars of the ballroom. Chemistry, chemistry, chemistry, weeks off, experience in live TV… There’s only one couple I can think of and they’re sitting right in front of me. Well, they’re the perfect duo to host Strictly,” he said, gesturing to Ed and Susanna.
Susanna wasn’t letting him off lightly, though. “Getting back to the question. Are you, third time asking, are you the next presenter of Strictly Come Dancing?” she asked him.
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Josh admitted: “It would be lovely to be the next presenter of Strictly Come Dancing. It would be absolutely lovely. Look, I’m glad to be linked with that. I would love to do it, of course. I would love to do it but I think we’d all love to do it.”
Head judge Shirley Ballas grilled too!
Earlier on in the show, Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas was asked about Josh’s rumoured hosting role. She told them: “I have no comment,” before saying: “What was the name of the man you said was on Strictly? Josh Widdicombe? Never heard of him, who is he? That is a new name for me.”
After Josh’s interview, Shirley returned, and was grilled about Josh again. “Is it Josh?” Susanna asked. “Well he looks very comfortable on that sofa, doesn’t he,” said Shirley, avoiding the question.
“It’s above my pay grade to say, actually, who is the next presenter,” she said, before declaring: “I know nothing.”
However, pressed further, it appears Shirley doesn’t actually “know nothing”… “Do you know who it is?” Ed asked. “Well, well,” she teased, “kind of, kind of, yes, maybe.”
Five new pros joining line-up
She then shared: “And the five professionals that are coming on. And I’m telling you now, this is going to be the series of all series. There are so many little tweaks and turns and things going on. I want people to be hyped and excited by what’s going on at Strictly Come Dancing. You are. not going to be disappointed.”
Speaking about the new hosts, she added: “Whoever comes onto this show is going to be amazing in their own right. Any presenter who comes on, it’s got to be natural, there’s got to be chemistry, not only with the judges but with the celebrities. I think you’re going to be really excited about who’s coming on.”
“Emma Willis?” asked Susanna. “Who?” quipped Shirley. “Josh Widdicombe?” they asked. “I can neither confirm nor deny,” said Shirl. “I love them all. Whoever is the right person, they will make sure they chose the right person for the public.”
Exactly when we’ll find out who the new presenters of Strictly are
And, as speculation reaches fever pitch, it seems we don’t have long to wait before we find out who will be hosting the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Speaking at the Chelsea Flower Show yesterday (May 18), Shirley revealed: “I’m looking forward to Strictly. We’re going to have two new presenters.”
Asked when the new presenter announcement will be made, she added: “It’s out next week, the end of this week, the beginning of next!”
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