Former It Takes Two host Zoe Ball has been rumoured to take over Strictly Come Dancing hosting duties
Television and radio personality Zoe Ball has revealed her interest in taking on the presenting duties for Strictly Come Dancing.
The 55 year old has been mentioned as a potential candidate for one of the two presenting positions that became available on the BBC dance competition after Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly departed following the previous series.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, she said: “Obviously there’s part of me that would love to do it. But I will still be watching, whoever hosts it.”
Zoe is no stranger to the Strictly franchise, having presented the spin-off programme It Takes Two across 10 series from 2011 to 2020. She also competed as a contestant during the third series in 2005, reaching third place alongside professional dancer Ian Waite.
In 2014, she temporarily filled in as host of the main programme for several weeks whilst Claudia took leave to care for one of her children.
After departing her BBC Radio 2 programme last December, Zoe was succeeded by Emma Willis.
Discussing the speculation surrounding Strictly, she remarked: “This is the hilarious thing, it’s all anyone talks to me about. At the moment I am in mourning for Tess and Claud because I love those girls. I think everyone’s name is being thrown into the mix. I love that show. I loved performing on it with Ian Waite, who is one of my best buddies.
“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.”
Zoe revealed that she hadn’t discussed the role with the BBC, nor had any of her friends, but expressed a preference for either Rylan Clark or Vernon Kay to join her as co-host.
She 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 presenting portfolio includes stints on Top Of The Pops from 1996 to 1998, Live And Kicking from 1996 to 1999, and SMart from 1994 to 1996.
The 2025 series of Strictly was won by ex-England Lionesses footballer Karen Carney.
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