Zoe Ball has spoken out about an 'awful' mistake she made while presenting the Strictly Come Dancing spin-off show, It Takes Two. The 55-year-old broadcaster, who first appeared on Strictly as a contestant before taking the reins of the companion programme, recalled the awkward moment during an episode of her Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley.
The Shirley Ballas Blunder
In 2017, Zoe was tasked with introducing the new judge Shirley Ballas to the show. However, the introduction did not go as planned. She said: 'I do remember the first time Shirley Ballas came on It Takes Two and I was a bit nervous to meet her and I went, “Ladies and gentleman... Shirley Bassey”.'
Zoe explained that her dyslexic brain confused the similar names, adding: 'God it was awful and she looked really unimpressed and I think also I called her, “Dame Shirley” and I think that threw me because I was trying to big her up and then was like, “Dame Shirley Bassey”... whoops.'
She described the moment as 'awful' and said she wanted 'the ground to swallow you up'.
Rejected for New Presenting Role
In the same podcast episode, Zoe revealed that she had not been offered one of the new presenting roles on Strictly Come Dancing, following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman last year. She said she is 'working through the seven stages of grief and rejection' after auditioning for the job.
Despite the disappointment, Zoe expressed confidence in the chosen presenters, describing them as 'fabulous' and stating that viewers are 'in safe hands'. She 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.'
Emma Willis Reportedly Offered Role
According to The Sun, Emma Willis has reportedly been offered one of the presenting roles, although the BBC has not confirmed the reports. A source told the publication: '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.'
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Line-Up
For the upcoming series, the judging panel remains unchanged, with Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke all returning. Professionals returning to the dance floor include last year's winner Carlos Gu, 2024's champion Dianne Buswell, Nikita Kuzmin, Katya Jones, Johannes Radebe, and Alexis Warr.
This comes after five professionals announced their departures from the show: Gorka Márquez, Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Nadiya Bychkova.
