They were paired together for the Christmas edition of the BBC One dance show two years ago
Josh Widdicombe is one of the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing(Image: ITV)
Karen Hauer has shown her support for new Strictly Come Dancing host Josh Widdicombe after they were paired together for the Christmas edition of the show two years ago.
The professional dancer recently confirmed she would be leaving the BBC One dance programme after 14 years, marking the end of her reign as the longest-serving pro. She was one of several high-profile departures ahead of the 2026 series, which is also set to have three new hosts when it returns in September.
The trio of Josh, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe were selected to take over as the hosts of Strictly after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman left their long-running roles on the Saturday night entertainment favourite at the end of the 2025 series in December.
While Johannes is no stranger to the show, having been part of the pro line-up for several years, Josh may be able to relate to the new crop of celebrity contestants after he joined Karen for the Strictly Christmas special in 2024.
(Image: Ray Burmiston/BBC/PA Wire)
The duo dressed up as penguins for a Charleston set to Let It Snow, and Karen has now shared how she thinks his own experience will set him in great stead as a co-host of the beloved programme.
Appearing on ITV’s Lorraine on Friday (June 5), Karen said: “When they told us, you’re going to be dressed as penguins, he was so on board, and that’s why I feel like he is awesome. He’s gonna be absolutely brilliant, because he’s been in the trenches. He knows how it’s gonna feel, he knows how the person is gonna feel.”
Karen, 44, went on to heap praise on the new presenting lineup, saying: “They’re brilliant. I’m really excited to see the show, and see them all in it.”
When he was announced as one of the new Strictly hosts, Josh spoke of his own experience in the famous ballroom, saying in a statement,: “Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly remains my career high point, so I am giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television. I adore Emma and Jojo and can’t wait to spend my weekends with them. I’ll dust off the penguin costume.”