The hunt for new faces to lead Strictly Come Dancing has taken a fresh turn, with a family member of a leading candidate breaking their silence. Johnny Ball, the veteran presenter and father of BBC Radio 2's Zoe Ball, has revealed his daughter is firmly 'in the mix' to take over the coveted hosting role.
Strictly's Sudden Departure Sparks Speculation
The search for new presenters began in earnest after the show's long-standing hosts, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, announced their abrupt departure in October 2025. Daly had fronted the main show for an impressive 21 years, with Winkleman by her side for 15, leaving a significant void for the BBC to fill. Their final episode aired on Saturday, 20th December 2025, marking the end of an era for the beloved dance competition.
Since the announcement, fans and industry insiders have been fervently debating which personalities could step into the iconic presenting shoes. Among the names repeatedly mentioned is Zoe Ball, aged 55, who brings a wealth of relevant experience to the table.
Why Zoe Ball is a Front-Runner
Ball is no stranger to the Strictly universe. She competed as a celebrity contestant back in 2005 and, more significantly, hosted the companion show Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two from 2011 until 2021. Her decade-long stint on the spin-off made her a familiar and popular figure with the show's dedicated audience.
Her father, Johnny Ball, 87, offered a tantalising update on her prospects. Speaking to the Express, he stated, “Nothing's going to be decided until after Easter, but she’s in the mix, and people are coming to her, but it’s too early to say.” He added a proud parental endorsement, noting, “I think she would love it... she took over from Claudia on It Takes Two, and if anything, she did a better job than Claudia.”
Clues and Career Moves Point to Change
The speculation around Ball's potential new role coincides with a major career shift. She recently presented her final live Radio 2 show on Saturday, 20th December 2025, handing over the Saturday afternoon slot to Emma Willis. While she will still undertake some special projects for the station, her departure from the regular schedule has fuelled rumours of a bigger commitment.
Adding to the intrigue, Ball recently shared a cryptic horoscope message on her Instagram aimed at Sagittarians—her star sign—which promised “a lot of newness and freshness” coming into life in 2026. The post spoke of powerful changes and finding one's way back home, which fans interpreted as a possible hint towards the Strictly role.
As the BBC deliberates, the legacy of the previous hosts remains fresh. In an emotional social media farewell, Tess Daly thanked viewers for the “memories of a lifetime,” describing the show as one where “joy is the currency.” Claudia Winkleman responded with a string of red heart emojis, underscoring their close bond and the show's affectionate spirit.
With a decision not expected until after Easter 2026, the speculation is set to continue. However, with her deep roots in the programme and a father confidently placing her in contention, Zoe Ball's position as a leading candidate appears stronger than ever.
