Josh Widdicombe admits 'I've been lying'

Josh Widdicombe kept Strictly news secret

Josh Widdicombe has been named as one of the new presenters for Strictly Come Dancing, and he revealed that he had to keep the news hidden from people close to him while it was not yet public. His comment that he had “been lying” points to the personal effort required to maintain confidentiality during a major job transition.

The development is significant because Strictly hosting roles are tightly associated with expectations from viewers—especially around chemistry and on-screen comfort in a live format. Widdicombe is stepping into a high-visibility position alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe, and the coverage suggests the secrecy phase was part of the lead-up to that transition.

The stories also emphasize that Widdicombe expects public reaction, including the possibility of trolling, given the comedic element of his public persona and the unusual pairing of hosts. That kind of audience scrutiny often follows casting announcements, particularly when the show’s presenting team shifts in a way that changes familiar dynamics.

Key details that stand out

• He was required to keep the Strictly appointment under wraps for a period.
• The “lying” reference is tied to managing relationships with friends and family before the announcement.
• As part of the same shift, he’ll now work in a live entertainment space that demands a different kind of visibility than stand-up or podcasts.

Overall, the headline is less about a specific event and more about the behind-the-scenes pressure of joining a landmark UK TV institution—plus the personal costs of secrecy right before a public unveiling.