Key Highlights
- Zoe Ball is a frontrunner to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as the host of Strictly Come Dancing.
- Ball addressed rumors about her potential hosting gig in an interview with The Sunday Times Style, expressing both enthusiasm and caution.
- The veteran broadcaster has a history with the show, having competed on it and hosted spin-off It Takes Two.
- Ball stepped down from her BBC Radio 2 show to focus on family, citing personal setbacks including the loss of her mother and boyfriend.
The Struggle for Strictly’s Hosting Gig
As the curtains close on Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s reign as hosts of Strictly Come Dancing, the eyes of the nation turn to potential replacements. Among the frontrunners, one name stands out: veteran broadcaster Zoe Ball. With a rich history in both the entertainment industry and the BBC, Ball is seen as a clear frontrunner to fill the shoes of the departing duo.
The speculation grew intense when Ball stepped down from her Saturday afternoon BBC Radio 2 show on January 15, 2026.
Rumors swirled that she might be freeing up her weekend schedule to take on the Strictly hosting role. The fervor was so high that Ladbrokes suspended betting on who would replace Daly and Winkleman.
Ball’s Ambivalence
In an interview with The Sunday Times Style, Ball addressed the rumors for the first time. She admitted, “Obviously, there’s a part of me that would love to do it.” However, her response was notably self-effacing. When asked about her candidacy, she added, “I will still be watching, whoever hosts,” and later noted, “There are so many people who would be brilliant on it.”
A Broadcasting Pro with a Diverse Background
Ball’s suitability for the role is clear from her extensive experience. She has hosted It Takes Two, a spin-off of Strictly, and was a contestant in the 2005 series where she danced with Ian Waite to third place. Her broadcasting credentials are also impeccable: Ball anchored major BBC telethons for events like Comic Relief and Children in Need. She has spent years building a reputation as a reliable presenter on both BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2, including hosting the breakfast show from 1997 until her recent departure.
A Personal Journey
Ball’s journey to the limelight is anything but linear. In the 1990s, she was a fixture on Top of the Pops and Big Breakfast, hosting shows alongside her father Johnny Ball. Her early career was marked by wild nights out with the likes of Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim) and Sara Cox, encapsulating the “ladette” culture of that era.
However, life took a different turn in 2014 when she hosted Strictly for three weeks after Winkleman’s daughter was injured. Her brief stint on the show was well-received by fans.
Ball stepped down from her Radio 2 breakfast show to focus on family in November 2024, citing personal setbacks including the loss of her mother and boyfriend. “There is the grief-on-grief of other losses,” she told The Sunday Times Style. “It’s really made me look back and think, right, what’s important here?”
Her decision to prioritize family seems to align with the demands of hosting a high-profile show like Strictly. However, Ball has shown a willingness to adapt and embrace new challenges, making her a compelling candidate for the role.
Conclusion
Zoe Ball’s candidacy for Strictly is rooted in both her extensive experience and personal journey. As the search for a new host continues, the broadcasting world watches with bated breath to see if she will step into the spotlight once again.
