Josh Widdicombe finally addresses Strictly Come Dancing host rumours

Josh Widdicombe has thrown cold water on his rumoured appointment as one of the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing.

The comedian appeared in the Good Morning Britain studio on Tuesday for a robust line of questioning from Susanna Reid on the reports he has been picked by the BBC to host alongside Emma Willis.

The comedian and Last Leg host was said to have had a ‘razor-sharp’ audition as one of the finalists for the coveted role, and it appears his onscreen chemistry with Willis might have nabbed him the gig.

But Widdicombe was reluctant to confirm the news either way on ITV, simply telling Reid and her co-host Ed Balls: ‘Do not believe what you read in the papers.’

That wasn’t enough to satiate the GMB hosts, who continued to prod and probe an uncomfortable Widdicombe, who dodged their questions.

Asked directly whether he’s the next presenter, Widdicombe went on to say: ‘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. I think I’d do a lovely job.’

He even suggested that Balls and Reid, who have both danced on the Strictly ballroom floor, would be a good fit for the hosting job.

‘If I was casting it, I’d look for a couple that have got Strictly heritage, two stars of the ballroom, chemistry, weekends off, experience in live TV,’ he said.

‘There’s only one couple I can think of, and they’re sitting right in front of me. They’re the perfect duo to host Strictly.’

Reid confirmed that neither she nor Balls had been approached for the gig before trying to get the line of questioning back on track for a third time.

Widdicombe replied: ‘It would be lovely to be the next presenter of Strictly Come Dancing.’

As the presenters noted his reluctance to rule himself out, he insisted: ‘It doesn’t mean anything.’

Reid suggested that Widdicombe might not yet have completed the paperwork to confirm the job, with his agents perhaps still in negotiations with the Beeb. But still, Widdicombe played coy.

He concluded: ‘I’m glad to be linked with it. I’m glad you’re having fun with it. I would love to do it, of course. But I think we’d all love to do it.’

Later in the programme, the pair had head judge Shirley Ballas on for a similar set of questions. She hinted that she knows the identity of the new hosts but refused to confirm whether it is Willis and Widdicombe.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.