Zoe Ball has expressed relief at not being chosen as the new host of Strictly Come Dancing, joking that she “doesn’t need to have a facelift now.” The 55-year-old radio presenter was among the final candidates to replace long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on the BBC dance competition.
Last week, it was announced that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe would take over the hosting duties. Ball, who auditioned alongside Widdicombe, described him as “hilarious” and praised the new lineup during an episode of her Dig It! podcast.
Ball’s Reaction to Not Getting the Job
“He is going to be so good,” Ball said of Widdicombe. “Emma is just gorgeous and I love Johannes, so they are going to ace it.” She admitted to working through the “seven stages of grief and rejection” but ultimately felt “chuffed” to have been considered. “I had a really fun time having one last little play at a show that I love and adore,” she added.
The radio star also noted the intense scrutiny surrounding the selection process. “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,” she said.
New Hosts Express Excitement
Emma Willis, known for her work on The Voice UK, said she is a “huge fan” of the show and “can’t quite comprehend” becoming a presenter. “It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind – two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long,” she stated.
Josh Widdicombe, who participated in the 2024 Christmas Special, recalled dancing the Charleston in a penguin costume as his “career high point.” He said, “I am giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television.”
Johannes Radebe, a professional dancer on the show, will reportedly take on a “roving reporter” role. “To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined,” he said. “This show has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward.”
The new hosting team is set to debut in the upcoming series, promising a fresh chapter for the beloved programme.
