TV and radio personality Zoe Ball has expressed her enthusiasm for hosting BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, following the departure of popular presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. Both hosts left their roles after the conclusion of the last series, leaving two vacant positions on the iconic dance show. Speaking to the Sunday Times, Ball stated, “Obviously there’s part of me that would love to do it. But I will still be watching, whoever hosts it.”
Zoe Ball is no stranger to the Strictly franchise. She hosted the sister show It Takes Two for ten series from 2011 to 2020 and competed as a contestant in the show’s third series in 2005, ultimately finishing third alongside professional partner Ian Waite. In 2014, she took on the hosting duties for the main show temporarily while Winkleman was on leave.
Reflecting on the speculation surrounding the hosting role, Ball shared her thoughts on the current situation. “This is the hilarious thing, it’s all anyone talks to me about,” she remarked. While expressing her fondness for Winkleman and Daly, she added, “At the moment I am in mourning for Tess and Claud because I love those girls.”
Ball reminisced about her time on the show, saying, “I love that show. I loved performing on it with Ian Waite, who is one of my best buddies.” She praised the live format of the programme, noting, “It’s so joyful, and it’s live telly, which is another thing that people don’t give the girls enough credit for. That show is a beast. Whoever gets to do it has a tough act to follow.”
Despite the ongoing discussions regarding potential candidates for the role, Ball clarified that she has not had conversations with the BBC about the hosting position. She also stated that none of her friends have been approached for the role either. When asked about potential co-hosts, she expressed a preference for either Rylan Clark or Vernon Kay to join her if she were selected.
Ball made history as the first woman to host the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show solo when her co-host Kevin Greening departed in 1998. Her extensive presenting portfolio also includes roles on Top Of The Pops, Live And Kicking, and SMart.
In the most recent series of Strictly, former England Lionesses footballer Karen Carney clinched the winning title. As the speculation around the new hosts continues, fans eagerly await the next chapter of this beloved dance competition.
