Broadcasting icon Zoe Ball has candidly addressed facing a "tough year" while simultaneously being tipped as a frontrunner to take over a major presenting role on Strictly Come Dancing. The speculation comes hot on the heels of her departure from her long-running BBC Radio 2 Saturday show in December 2025.
Family backing for a Strictly comeback
According to her father, Johnny Ball, the family money is already on Zoe landing the coveted job. He confirmed she is firmly "in the mix" for the position, a role for which she has a formidable pedigree. Ball was a finalist on the show in 2005 and later hosted the companion programme It Takes Two for a decade from 2011 to 2021.
While remaining tight-lipped about her own prospects, the presenter has been more open about her family life. She recently shared charming details from her children's milestone birthday parties. Her daughter, Nelly, celebrated her 16th birthday, while son Woody turned 25.
Navigating motherhood and menopause
Ball, now 55, revealed she was deemed "cool enough" to attend the pre-drinks for Nelly's party, an event she was "quite glad" not to stay for entirely. She also spoke humorously about Woody's energetic celebrations, which ended with a 4:30am search for antihistamines after a night of clubbing.
On the Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley, Ball opened up about the physical changes of menopause, noting shifts in her body shape. "It's sort of around the boobage area, around your shoulders. Okay, and your arms," she said, adding that she is grateful to have friends to pass clothes on to.
Reflecting on a challenging year and the future
In a contemplative mood as 2025 ends, Ball reflected on a difficult period for many. "I know lots of my friends have had a really tough year this year. Lots of people worrying about money, people worrying about jobs," she stated, expressing gratitude for mutual support.
She also questioned whether the carefree "f*ck it" attitude often associated with ageing would ever arrive for her. While hoping it comes after menopause, she mused it might not appear until her 80s, citing that "you never stop worrying about your kids." Ball poignantly compared life to an Indiana Jones scene, "trying to deal with" a giant rolling ball.
Privately, Ball has navigated high-profile splits from ex-husband Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim) and, more recently in 2023, from carpenter Michael Reed. She expressed awe at celebrity "power couples" like Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Martin McDonagh, whom she spotted in the street.
With her radio chapter closed and the new year ahead, all eyes are now on whether 2026 will mark Zoe Ball's highly anticipated return to the nation's television screens.
