Josh Widdicombe has reportedly emerged as the shock favourite to host Strictly Come Dancing after impressing BBC bosses.
If he secures the role, the comedian, 43, will be the first male to front the programme since Bruce Forsyth, which could prove some big shoes to fill.
Sir Bruce – who died in 2017 – starred alongside Tess Daly until his retirement in 2013, when Claudia Winkleman then took over.
Josh is no stranger to the show having appeared on the 2024 Christmas Special, where he danced alongside professional Karen Hauer.
Since Tess and Claudia announced they would be stepping down from their hosting duties a number of celebrities have been tipped for the role.
A source said: ‘Josh blew the producers away with his dead-pan, witty banter. He is family friendly, having helmed several shows now, and loves Strictly.’
Josh Widdicombe has reportedly emerged as the shock favourite to host Strictly Come Dancing after impressing BBC bosses
If he secures the role, the comedian, 43, will be the first male to front the programme since Bruce Forsyth, which could prove some big shoes to fill
They added to The Sun: ‘The bosses believe he will be ideal to take the show into a new era. After years as a stand-up, he can handle a live audience and is razor-sharp.
‘He’s not a household name, yet, and so to step into Brucie’s shoes would be a stellar move for his career.’
A BBC spokesperson told Daily Mail: ‘Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.’
The Daily Mail has contacted Josh’s representative for comment.
There have been plenty of names thrown into the mix, some include the likes of Emma Willis, Rylan Clark, Alison Hammond and Alex Jones.
It is not known who will be taking over from Claudia and Tess, who presented the show together from 2014, or when their replacements will be announced.
After weeks of speculation and multiple major names turning the job down, nine shortlisted stars were summoned to a top-secret location in London to battle it out in full-scale dress rehearsals with a judging panel and live band in a bid to get the troubled show back on track.
BBC bosses held secret auditions and chemistry tests with the celebrities and forced the stars to sign strict NDAs to keep the tryouts under wraps.
Last month a source told The Sun: ‘It’s not just about reading autocue. They’ll be looking at how people work together and humour is a massive part of it. There’s everything to play for.’
The chosen few who were called to the final test were watched closely and bosses are hoping to make a decision soon.
Among those confirmed to be in the callbacks were Rylan, Emma, Tom Allen and One Show presenter Alex Jones.
Josh is no stranger to the show having appeared on the 2024 Christmas Special, where he danced alongside professional Karen Hauer
A source said: ‘They really want to bring the fun this year. It’s all about chemistry, who clicks instantly and can keep the energy up live on air.
‘They could stick with two female hosts as that’s worked brilliantly. But they’re also open to mixing it up.
‘If Rylan and Tom Allen click, that could be a hilarious pairing. Equally, they could even introduce a third presenter to shake things up.’
The Beeb have recently given an insight into what fans can expect for the 24th series of the much-loved programme.
The likes of Dianne Buswell, 37, Nancy Xu, 34, Vito Coppola, 33, Julian Caillon, 30, Carlos Gu, 33, Lauren Oakley, 35, Amy Dowden, 35, Katya Jones, 36, Neil Jones, 44, Nikita Kuzmin, 28, Jowita Przystał, 31, Johannes Radebe, 39, Aljaž Škorjanec, 36, Alexis Warr, 25, and Kai will be returning to the dance floor this year.
They will be joined by some new professional dancers who are yet to be announced.
Karen Hauer, 43, Gorka Marquez, 35, Nadiya Bychkova, 36, Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, and Luba Mushtuk, 36, were all given the boot.
The celebrities will be judged by Shirley Ballas, 65, Craig Revel Horwood, 61, Motsi Mabuse, 45, and Anton du Beke, 59.
And some of the themes returning each week will include Movies, Icons, Halloween and Musicals, as well as the yearly visit to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
But unfortunately viewers will also have to wait a little bit longer to find out which famous faces have decided to sign up to the show this year.
