Zoe Ball has revealed she has failed to land the Strictly Come Dancing job as she opened up for the first time. Since Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their departure, numerous celebrities have been tipped for the role. Presenter Zoe, who previously hosted the Strictly spin-off It Takes Two, disclosed that she 'didn't get' the gig and is 'working through the seven stages of grief and rejection'.
Despite missing out on the coveted Saturday night slot, Zoe expressed being 'thrilled' for those who secured the role and insisted the BBC made the 'right decision'. Speaking on her Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley, she said: 'I didn't get it, but it's OK. I have worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection over the last couple of days. No, I didn't get it, but I tell you what, if who I think has got it, we're in safe hands and our new hosts are going to be fabulous. I'm so thrilled for them, and hopefully at a later date, we'll be able to talk about them in more detail.'
Opening up about not making the cut, Zoe added: '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. 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.'
According to The Sun, Zoe wasn't the only star who shed tears after being rejected. A source said: 'The television industry is cut-throat. From the off, the BBC had their favourites but they knew they couldn't just shoe-horn in who they wanted — it had to come down to the chemistry tests. The celebs were put into mix-and-match pairs. The people who didn't get offered the job just weren't the right fit. Some have taken it better than others. One big star who was tipped from day one has been sobbing about it — they were convinced the job was theirs for the taking. They genuinely thought they'd the best chance but when it came down to what it felt like on screen, it didn't work. Sadly, that's the nature of the business and no amount of soggy Kleenexes will change the decision.'
It comes as Emma Willis is reportedly set to be announced as one of the new Strictly Come Dancing hosts. Emma, 50, is now believed to be the front runner after impressing during chemistry tests, with the BBC viewing her as a 'safe pair of hands'. 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 so the BBC know she will do the job justice. 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.' The insider also told The Sun: 'Strictly is one of the biggest shows on television and to be trusted with the new era is something Emma feels incredibly proud and humbled by.'
A BBC spokesman told the Daily Mail: 'Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.' Emma has held presenting roles on The Voice UK, Big Brother, The Circle, and Love Is Blind: UK. Other names in the mix included Rylan Clark, Alison Hammond, and Alex Jones. Nine shortlisted stars recently attended secret dress rehearsals with a judging panel and live band. Among those confirmed in callbacks were Rylan, Emma, Tom Allen, and Alex.
The BBC has given insight into the 24th series, with returning professional dancers including Dianne Buswell, Nancy Xu, Vito Coppola, and others. Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Luba Mushtuk were let go. The judges remain Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton du Beke. Themes like Movies, Icons, Halloween, Musicals, and the Blackpool Tower Ballroom will return. Claudia Winkleman recently hinted that the 'glitz and glamour had started to wear off' for her and Tess Daly.
