Johnny Ball, the 87-year-old television veteran, has expressed a desire to create a new programme with his daughter, Zoe Ball, and his grandson, Woody. However, he has encountered a significant obstacle: no broadcaster is willing to pick up the idea.
The former Play School presenter, who gained fame for his BAFTA-winning educational series Think of a Number, envisions a project exploring the history of Greek mathematics from three generations' perspectives. According to Johnny, the concept would also examine the relevance of ancient maths, including the contributions of Pythagoras, whom he described as 'a terrible idiot' who never wrote anything down but produced the first music theory.
Johnny praised his daughter, the BBC Radio 2 presenter, as 'capable, bright, open and engaging' and noted that the family are 'always laughing' whenever they get together. He recalled that her ex-husband, Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim), often remarked on the joyfulness of their gatherings.
Meanwhile, Zoe Ball has fuelled rumours that she may be on the verge of landing a new television role as a host of Strictly Come Dancing. She is reportedly among the frontrunners to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. During a recent episode of her podcast Dig It, Zoe hinted at a 'glamorous' job but refused to elaborate, joking that she had to 'look glamorous' for 'doing the garden'. Her co-host Jo Whiley playfully suggested 'Strictly gardening', which Zoe did not deny.
Zoe previously appeared as a contestant on the third series of Strictly and later presented its companion show, It Takes Two. She has described Claudia and Tess as a 'tough act to follow' but admitted she would 'love' to host the main show. Other potential presenters reportedly include Rylan Clark, Fleur East, Janette Manrara, and Hannah Waddingham.
