Speculation surrounding the future of Strictly Come Dancing has intensified after one of the frontrunners for the hosting role, Zoe Ball, publicly addressed the rumours for the first time. The former BBC Radio 2 star stated she would "love" to take on the coveted position.
The End of an Era and the Search for Successors
The search for new presenters was triggered in October 2025 when the show's long-standing hosts, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, announced their departure. Daly had been with the flagship BBC dancing competition since its launch 21 years prior. The pair made their final regular appearance during the 2025 series grand final, which aired live a week before Christmas, though they later fronted a pre-recorded festive special.
Their exit leaves a significant void for producers to fill. Daly was renowned for her sleek, professional demeanour in the main studio, while Winkleman mastered a unique style of controlled chaos in the backstage area known as the "Clauditorium." Finding a duo or individual who can capture a similar dynamic is seen as a major challenge for the corporation.
Ball's Candid Comments and Potential Contenders
In a new interview with The Sunday Times, Zoe Ball directly responded to the mounting speculation that she is a top candidate. "Obviously, there's a part of me that would love to do it," she revealed. However, she was quick to add, "But I will still be watching, whoever hosts." The broadcaster clarified that she has not held any formal conversations with the BBC about the role.
When asked who else she thought would be a good fit, Ball named several other well-known personalities. Her suggestions included comedian Alan Carr, Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden, and presenter Rylan. Interestingly, she also threw the name of her former Radio 2 colleague Vernon Kay into the mix.
Ball's connection to Strictly is well-established. She competed as a contestant in 2005 and later hosted the companion show It Takes Two from 2011 for a decade, taking over from Claudia Winkleman. Her father, Johnny Ball, added fuel to the rumours in December 2025, suggesting she was in the running to host with a new partner, but that a decision would not be made until spring 2026.
A Wide-Open Field for the Strictly Throne
Zoe Ball is far from the only name linked to the high-profile job. The rumour mill has been in overdrive, with a diverse list of potential successors circulating. Other figures reportedly in contention include:
- Former Take Me Out host Paddy McGuinness.
- 2018 Strictly champion Stacey Dooley.
- The current It Takes Two presenting duo, Fleur East and Janette Manrara.
Ball's own career moves have also sparked interest. She stepped down from her Radio 2 Saturday afternoon slot recently, a move that was seen by many as potentially freeing her up for a major television commitment like Strictly. This followed her earlier decision in 2024 to leave the station's prestigious breakfast show to focus on family following her mother's death, before later returning to host a weekend programme.
As the BBC remains tight-lipped, the public and media alike will be watching closely to see who will next take to the iconic Strictly ballroom floor when the show returns.
