Zoe Ball has reportedly confirmed that she failed to secure the coveted role of presenter on Strictly Come Dancing, revealing that she "worked through the seven stages of grief" following the rejection.
Hosting Race Heats Up
All eyes have been on who will replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly after the duo announced their departure last year. Several prominent UK television personalities were linked to the BBC show.
The 55-year-old broadcaster was widely tipped for the job, having previously fronted the Strictly spin-off series It Takes Two. However, she has allegedly disclosed that she was not selected for the position.
In the latest episode of her Dig It podcast, she opened up about being "in the mix" and returning to screens. "I didn't get it, but it's okay," she said via The Sun. "I have worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection over the last couple of days. I was so chuffed to even be in the mix. There were some pretty amazing people who didn't even make it into the mix."
Zoe's Reaction
She added: "So I made it in the mix, and I had a really fun time having one last little play at a show that I love and adore. And I'm so thrilled for the gang that has got it. I think there's been so many eyes on this whole process, everyone's quite relieved now that a decision has been made and the right decision has been made."
Other Contenders
While the identity of the successful candidate remains unconfirmed, Zoe was one of several stars linked to the Saturday night staple after Claudia and Tess stepped down. Names such as Rylan Clark, Amanda Holden, Alan Carr, Rob Rinder, and Bradley Walsh were also rumoured.
More recently, an insider tipped Emma Willis for the role, following her work on Netflix's Love Is Blind UK. A source said: "Emma has been offered the Strictly job and is going to accept. She absolutely nailed the chemistry tests and the BBC adore her. Emma is a household name and a safe pair of hands."
The source added: "She's incredibly popular with the public too and will suit the role down to a tee. She was absolutely thrilled to have been offered the job. Strictly is one of the biggest shows on television."
The Mirror has approached the BBC for comment.
