Zoe Ball has reportedly accepted a new role with Greatest Hits Radio, just days after missing out on the lead presenting job for Strictly Come Dancing. The former BBC Radio 2 presenter is expected to join the commercial station in the autumn, following in the footsteps of former colleagues Simon Mayo and Ken Bruce.
Ball had put her name forward to host the long-running dance contest, but bosses instead chose Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe for the role. Speaking on her Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley, Ball said she was 'working through the seven stages of grief and rejection' but praised the new presenters, calling them 'fabulous' and saying the show is in 'safe hands'.
A source told The Sun: 'Greatest Hits have wanted her for a while and as soon as Zoe found out about the Strictly job, she decided to take it. She absolutely loves being a radio presenter, and after stepping away from her BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show a year ago, she took time to think about what she wanted.'
Ball previously appeared on Strictly as a contestant and fronted its spin-off, Strictly: It Takes Two, until 2021. Meanwhile, the upcoming series will see the judging panel remain unchanged, with Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all returning. Several professional dancers are also returning, including last year's winner Carlos Gu and 2024's champion Dianne Buswell, while five professionals have announced their departures.
