Alison Hammond’s co-star Josh Widdicombe was asked by EastEnders to audition for the BBC soap – but the comedian was not happy after realising which character it was
A co-star of Alison Hammond has shared how they were not too impressed after EastEnders asked them to audition for a role on the soap.
Comedian Josh Widdicombe, who works with Alison on the Sky panel show, Rob Beckket’s Smart TV, has made his name on the comedy circuit, starring in shows like The Last Leg.
But the 41-year-old’s career could have gone a completely different way if he’d accepted an audition for EastEnders. However, it appears he was not too happy about the role bosses thought he would be great for.
Speaking on an episode of Pointless, Josh shared how he was asked to audition for the role of Sonia Fowler’s current boyfriend, Reiss Colwell. Reiss made his debut on the soap in 2022 as the great-nephew of the late Dot Branning (June Brown).
“About a year ago, I got asked to play Sonia’s new boyfriend,” Josh recalled. He then joked: “They described him as a nerd.
“And they emailed my agent and said, ‘Thought this would be perfect for Josh!’ Can you believe that? I’ve never been so offended in my life!” he added.
The role of ‘Nerdy’ Reiss ultimately went to Jonny Freeman. In the soap last year, Sonia (Natalie Cassidy) struck up a relationship with Reiss (Jonny Freeman).
The pair were desperate to have a child but faced several hurdles – including Reiss’ infertility. What’s more, in a tragic twist it was revealed that Reiss’ wife was hospitalised with a long-term coma after suffering a stroke in the bath.
At first, Sonia was taken aback by dating a technically married man. But she soon changed her tune and the soap icon then started a romance with Reiss.
And longing to have a baby, and despite a long wait, Sonia and Reiss managed to get IVF with Sonia undergoing treatment. The couple were dealt a blow though, when a nurse warned Sonia her womb lining was thinner than ideal.
Things took a more upsetting turn for Sonia when she found out pal Whitney Dean was up the duff – leaving Sonia devastated, and thinking she wasn’t going to pregnant.
However, last month, Sonia found out she was pregnant. After taking a test and, in emotional scenes, she told Reiss in the Queen Vic the happy baby news.
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