Josh Widdicombe confirmed as first celebrity for Strictly Christmas special

Josh Widdicombe has been announced as the first celebrity to join the line-up for the 2024 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. Known for his role on Channel 4's The Last Leg alongside Adam Hills and Alex Brooker, Widdicombe also created and led the BBC Three sitcom Josh and hosted the comedy panel show Hypothetical on Dave.

During an appearance on Strictly: It Takes Two, it was revealed he'll dance with pro Karen Hauer—who recently partnered with ex-footballer Paul Merson in the main series—until his early exit.

On teaming up for the festive special, Widdicombe expressed his anxiety: "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?"

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Apart from his television gigs, he's known for co-hosting Parenting Hell podcast with Rob Beckett and guest-starring on shows like QI, A League Of Their Own, and even took the helm on Pointless briefly.

Widdicombe, also a Taskmaster champion, will compete against five other celebs under the eye of judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas, plus the studio audience's votes will contribute to crowning the winner of the festive showdown.

Last year, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick and professional dancer Nancy Xu were the proud winners of the Silver Star trophy. Borthwick is currently showing off his moves in the main show with professional partner Michelle Tsiakkas, while Xu and her celebrity partner, The X Factor winner and singer Shayne Ward, made their exit after losing the dance-off in Sunday’s results show.

The rest of the Christmas special line-up will be announced on Strictly: It Takes Two in due course, the BBC said.