Zoe Ball confirms she lost out on Strictly Come Dancing presenting role
Zoe Ball has officially stated that she will not be joining the lineup of new presenters for Strictly Come Dancing, after a thorough audition process. The BBC is anticipated to reveal successors for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who departed the show last year. On her Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley, Ball reflected on her feelings about the outcome, mentioning she experienced the seven stages of grief but now feels relieved that a conclusion has been reached. She suggested she is aware of the new hosts and thinks they will be "fabulous." Ball, a former contestant in 2005, hosted It Takes Two for a decade. Other candidates for the position include Emma Willis, Josh Widdecombe, and Johannes Radebe. A BBC representative indicated that details for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be announced in due course.
Key facts
- Zoe Ball confirmed she did not get the Strictly Come Dancing presenting role.
- The BBC is expected to announce replacements for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
- Ball discussed the rejection on her Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley.
- She said she worked through the seven stages of grief over the rejection.
- Ball was a contestant on Strictly in 2005 and hosted It Takes Two for 10 years.
- Emma Willis, Josh Widdecombe, and Johannes Radebe are reportedly still in the running.
- Earlier shortlist included Rylan Clark, Alex Jones, Bradley Walsh, and Rob Rinder.
- A BBC spokesman said plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.
Entities
Artists
- Zoe Ball
- Jo Whiley
- Tess Daly
- Claudia Winkleman
- Emma Willis
- Josh Widdecombe
- Johannes Radebe
- Rylan Clark
- Alex Jones
- Bradley Walsh
- Rob Rinder
- Holly Willoughby
- Alan Carr
- Amanda Holden
- Alison Hammond
Institutions
- BBC
- Strictly Come Dancing
- Dig It podcast
- BBC Radio 1
- BBC Radio 2
- It Takes Two
- The Sun
Locations
- United Kingdom