Jump directly to the content

COMEDIAN Josh Widdicombe gets his skates on as he performs as a penguin on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.

Fans will see The Last Leg presenter, 41, dance the Charleston to Let It Snow by Glee with his professional partner Karen Hauer, 42, on the episode which airs on Christmas Day.

Karen Hauer and Josh Widdicombe in penguin costumes dancing on Strictly Come Dancing.
3
Josh Widdicombe performs as a penguin on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas specialCredit: BBC
Josh Widdicombe and Karen Hauer in penguin costumes dancing on Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas special.
3
The comedian will dance the Charleston to Let It Snow by Glee with his professional partner Karen HauerCredit: BBC

Speaking about his training, Josh said: “I’ve lost weight and I’ve been eating pizza every night - it’s brilliant.

“That’s why I would recommend it.”

Of their routine, he said: “We’re penguins, there’s a skateboard and a slide, there’s a fish in my mouth.

“It’s quite a thoughtful piece and if you look deep it’s about the state of the world in 2024.”

READ MORE ON STRICTLY

Comedian Josh was born in London on April 8, 1983, but grew up in Devon.

He studied Sociology and Linguistics at The University of Manchester.

Josh's first job was writing poems and puzzles for the Dora The Explorer magazine.

He later worked for the Guardian as a sports journalist.

Josh got his break in comedy in 2008 when he entered the Laughing Horse New Act of the Year.

He didn't realise it was a competition but he reached the semi-finals.

Strictly fans in floods of tears as show pays tribute to lost stars - from Caroline Flack to Dave Myers

A year later he won the Leicester Mercury New Comedian of the Year Award.

Since then Josh has performed several solo stand-up tours.

He has also supported comedians such as Alan Carr and Russell Howard.

Karen Hauer and Josh Widdicombe in penguin costumes on Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas special.
3
Of their routine, Josh said: 'We’re penguins, there’s a skateboard and a slide, there’s a fish in my mouth'Credit: BBC
Topics