Josh Widdicombe is trading his stand-up microphone for dancing shoes as he prepares to join the glamorous lineup of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. The beloved comedian, known for his work on The Last Leg, will be taking on the dance floor alongside fellow celebrities including Vogue Williams, Tamzin Outhwaite, Billy Monger, Tayce, and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
Set to air on Christmas Day at 3:55 PM on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, this festive edition of Strictly will see Widdicombe paired with the talented professional dancer Karen Hauer. Upon being announced as one of the stars for this year’s special, Widdicombe articulated his apprehension, stating, "I am utterly terrified this will end in humiliation and worried I'm going to be so bad I will ruin Christmas for the nation. Why have I done this?" His blend of comedic timing and genuine fear has only heightened excitement among fans.
While viewers are eager to see how he manages on the dancefloor, it’s worth taking a moment to explore his life away from the cameras. Widdicombe’s wife, Rose Hanson, stands as another talented figure in the television industry, working as a producer behind several popular shows, including 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Live at the Apollo. Marrying Widdicombe in 2019, Rose not only makes her mark behind the scenes but also carries showbiz lineage; her mother was the mastermind behind Zippy, the beloved puppet from the children’s television classic Rainbow.
During his discussions with fellow comedians, Widdicombe has shared quirky anecdotes about his family and career, noting, "I'd be lying if I said... it wouldn't be outlandish"—alluding humorously to the connection of his life with Zippy. The charm of these tales captures how Widdicombe sees art and life mingling together, providing fans with unique insights.
On the parenting front, Widdicombe has also been candid about the challenges he and Rose faced, including the heartache resulting from a miscarriage prior to their daughter Pearl’s birth in October 2017, and their son Cassius' arrival in May 2021. On his co-hosted podcast, Parenting Hell, Widdicombe expressed the tentative feelings around their subsequent pregnancy, remarking, "When you're pregnant after a miscarriage, every day feels perilous, like it could go wrong..." This deep reflection brings to light the often untold stories behind the joys of parenthood.
Widdicombe has not shied away from discussing his personal growth, either. He recently celebrated one year of sobriety, sharing his experience on Instagram. His humorous perspective on this milestone included stating, "If you are looking to stop drinking, my advice... then can I recommend Ibiza." Widdicombe's honest promotions about sobriety resonate with many and reflect the challenges accompanying it.
With the Christmas special set to become another highlight of the festive season, viewers will not only be watching for the dance performances but also for the charming personality behind the dance shoes. Fans are eagerly poised for the moment Widdicombe takes to the stage with Karen Hauer, reflecting on the mix of excitement and anxiety he openly shares.
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special promises to deliver joy and laughter this festive season, showcasing the rich layers of celebrity lives intertwined with public expectations, warmth, and candidness. The anticipation only builds as Christmas Day approaches, offering viewers the chance to see their beloved comedian bring his unique flair to the ballroom.
