By the end of the week, we’ll likely know who the next Strictly Come Dancing hosts will be – and there’s one duo I’m desperate to see.
This week, The Sun reported that media personality Emma Willis had nabbed one of the spots left empty by longtime presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
As a veteran TV host who has helmed major franchises, including Big Brother, Love Is Blind UK and The Voice, the 50-year-old is more than ready to take on the BBC’s flagship series as it enters a new era.
Her bright and bubbly onscreen presence, matched with her grounded experience, makes her an obvious pick. But, of course, who she is paired with is just as crucial.
After former Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball confirmed she was unsuccessful, and other finalists such as Angela Scanlon and Rylan were also said to be out of the running, the choices left for the final pick are thin on the ground.
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As steadfast as Zoe is, as an It Takes Two alum whose hosting style and career background are very similar to Claudia and Tess – I think it would have been an uninspired decision to go in that direction.
After weighing up the rest of the rumoured contenders, I’m certain that I would love to see the BBC take a chance on comedian Josh Widdicombe, 43.
It was already an unexpected twist after reports emerged that he was the final celebrity to take part in auditions for the coveted gig, with insiders claiming he wowed bosses with his ‘razor-sharp’ performance.
The more I think about it, the more on board with the idea I am.
It’s clear the BBC want to make a new era for the show, with fresh hosts, new pros and a new vision for the spin-off – and there’s no better way to do it than mixing up the hosting combo.
Do you like the idea of Emma Willis and Josh Widdecombe as the new Strictly hosts?
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Yes – it’s a 10 from me!
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No – I hope it’s just rumours
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I’m skeptical but willing to give them a shot
Both Tess and Claudia were stalwart presenters whose shoes will be filled by Emma. But, if the BBC take a chance on Josh, they open exciting new avenues for humour, a delightfully chaotic dynamic between the duo and may draw in a brand new audience intrigued by such a rogue decision (myself included).
What makes it so genius is that putting his name in the running would never have occurred to me in a million years – and that’s what makes it so alluring.
Still, beyond cracking funny jokes, Josh also has enough presenting experience under his belt to hold his own, not least after co-hosting Channel 4’s hit show The Last Leg for 14 years.
Also, he’s a Taskmaster legend, which comes with its own built-in audience who follow their favourite comedians wherever they wander. It’s a surefire way to bring in a new crop of viewers.
Of course, it won’t be an easy task with a big legacy to follow. If Josh gets the job, he’ll be the first male presenter since Sir Bruce Forsyth, whose effervescent personality was a key part of Strictly’s popularity back in the day.
With declining viewing figures over the years and an ageing audience demographic, a combination like Emma and Josh might just be the boost the show needs to return to its old heights.
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One this autumn.
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