Zoe Ball has fuelled speculation that she could be the next host of Strictly Come Dancing after dropping hints on her podcast. The BBC Radio 2 presenter, 55, was quizzed by co-host Jo Whiley on the Dig It podcast about her upcoming plans, responding coyly that she is preparing for a 'glamorous' job but cannot yet reveal details.
Ball, who previously presented the spin-off show Strictly: It Takes Two from 2011 to 2021, has been widely tipped as a frontrunner to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who confirmed their exit from the main programme last year. When asked directly about the role in the past, Ball admitted she would 'love to do it' but acknowledged that whoever takes over will have 'a tough act to follow'.
During the podcast episode, Whiley remarked on Ball's freshly styled hair, to which the presenter disclosed she had her roots done and added extensions. 'I need to be glamorous for something,' she said, jokingly adding it was for 'doing the garden'. Whiley quipped 'Strictly gardening', prompting Ball to swiftly change the subject.
Ball participated as a contestant on Strictly in 2005 with Ian Waite before hosting It Takes Two for a decade. Since Daly and Winkleman's departure, bookmakers Coral have placed Ball as the favourite to step in, followed by Rylan Clark and Emma Willis. Other names in the running include Fleur East, Janette Manrara, Hannah Waddingham, and Stacey Dooley.
The BBC has also announced that four professional dancers, including longest-serving female pro Karen Hauer, will not return for the upcoming series. Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Nadiya Bychkova have also departed, with reports suggesting Gorka Márquez may follow, though he has not commented.
