BBC presenter Zoe Ball has dropped her biggest hint so far that she is poised to take over the main hosting duties on Strictly Come Dancing. This follows the dramatic exit of long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman last year.
A Dream Role for a Show Veteran
The 55-year-old radio and television star, now a firm favourite for the role, has openly admitted she would adore the job. In a recent interview with The Sunday Times Style Magazine, Ball gushed about her love for the programme, reminiscing about her time as a contestant in 2005 with professional dancer Ian Waite.
Ball is no stranger to the Strictly universe. She fronted the companion show Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two from 2011 to 2020 and even stepped in to host the main show in 2014. Her recent departure from her Saturday slot on BBC Radio 2 has also left her weekends free, fuelling speculation that she is clearing her schedule for the glitterball.
"A Tough Act to Follow"
Despite her clear enthusiasm, Ball was quick to acknowledge the immense challenge awaiting Daly and Winkleman's successor. She praised the outgoing hosts for their skill in managing the high-pressure live broadcasts, describing the show as "a beast."
"Obviously there's part of me that would love to do it," Ball stated. "I love that show... It's so joyful. However, it's live telly, which is another thing that people don't give the girls enough credit for. Whoever gets to do it has a tough act to follow."
Family Endorsement and Cosmic Clues
Adding to the mounting evidence, Ball's father, veteran broadcaster Johnny Ball, recently told the Express he believes his daughter is "in the mix" for the position. He even suggested she might excel in the role, referencing her successful tenure replacing Claudia Winkleman on It Takes Two.
Furthermore, eagle-eyed fans noted that Ball, a Sagittarius, shared a cryptic horoscope on Instagram pointing to a year of major change in 2026. The post spoke of "newness and freshness" entering one's life and "clearing old karma," which many interpreted as a nod to her potential new career chapter.
The hosting vacancy arose suddenly in 2025 when Daly and Winkleman announced mid-season they were leaving the scandal-hit show. Their departure marked the end of an era for the programme, which has been on air since 2004 and has faced controversies including the so-called "Strictly curse" on relationships and allegations of behind-the-scenes tensions.
With her deep-rooted history with the show and now her most explicit expression of interest, the stage appears to be set for Zoe Ball to step into the spotlight as the new face of the nation's favourite dance contest.
