BBC presenter expresses interest in hosting Strictly
Zoe Ball has revealed that she would be interested in taking on the role of host for Strictly Come Dancing, following the decision of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman to step down from the show. The BBC Radio 2 presenter was asked directly by Jo Whiley on their Dig It podcast if she would consider hosting the Saturday night entertainment program.
“I think everyone would like to do that job,” Zoe said. “It’s an amazing job. It’s the best Saturday night show… Whoever takes over will have the best gig in the world.”
Zoe is considered a strong candidate for the hosting position, as she previously hosted the spin-off show It Takes Two for 10 years before leaving in 2021. She also has a personal connection to the competition, having participated as a contestant in 2005 and dancing her socks off during the season.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their departure after what they described as “rumblings” about a potential change in the show's format. In a joint video message, they said: “After 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided that the time is right to step aside and pass over the baton.”
The BBC still needs to find new hosts for the show, as the surprise announcement came during a random weekday mid-season. However, Zoe admits she doesn’t know who might take over.
“I thought you were an insider and you knew these things,” Jo teased. Zoe replied, “No, I don’t know anything!”
She praised Tess and Claudia for breaking glass ceilings as two women leading a Saturday night entertainment show two decades ago. Zoe called them “a brilliant double act” and appreciated that they are leaving together. “They’ve owned this story and they’re going together. It was such a shocker for everyone, we were like, ‘What!’”
Jo agreed that their exit was “a powerful move,” while Zoe suggested that Hannah Waddingham from Ted Lasso would make a great next host. However, she also mentioned that Alan Carr could be a good fit, with Amanda Holden as a possible co-host.
As for Jo, she is currently focused on Alan Carr’s show Celebrity Traitors, which continues to gain popularity. Meanwhile, Zoe is considering her next steps after stepping down from her £950,000-a-year role as host of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show. She left the position in December after six years, following the death of her mother, Julia, so she could spend more time with her children, Nelly, 15, and Woody, 25, whom she shares with her ex-husband Fatboy Slim.
Zoe was the first woman to present the Radio 2 breakfast show and remains on the station. She shared her decision in November, saying: “After six incredible years on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, it’s time for me to step away from the very early mornings and focus on family. It’s been a privilege. I’m excited to embrace my next chapter, including being a mum in the mornings, and I can’t wait to tune in on the school run!”
Regarding Strictly, an insider told the Daily Mail that Claudia Winkleman is reportedly ready to explore opportunities outside the show, possibly even moving to ITV. The source explained that she felt the need to leave Strictly to pursue other projects, as the show takes up a third of her year.
“It’s been on Tess’s mind for a few years, but Claudia leaning towards leaving made it an easier decision,” the source added. “They always had a pact to leave together, and they wanted to adhere to that. They come as a pair, when it comes to Strictly, so going out together made perfect sense.”
