Zoe Ball has declared her enthusiasm for the chance to host the popular BBC show, Strictly Come Dancing. The 55-year-old presenter finds herself in the spotlight as speculation grows regarding potential candidates for two vacant hosting roles following the departure of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly after the most recent series.
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Ball shared her sentiments about the opportunity. “Obviously there’s part of me that would love to do it. But I will still be watching, whoever hosts it,” she remarked. This comes as fans of the show eagerly await news on who will take over from the beloved presenting duo.
Zoe Ball is no stranger to the Strictly franchise, having hosted its companion show, It Takes Two, for ten series from 2011 to 2020. Her experience also includes competing in the third series of the main show in 2005, where she finished in third place alongside professional partner Ian Waite. In 2014, she briefly filled in as the main host while Winkleman took a leave of absence to care for her child.
Reflecting on the ongoing chatter about the hosting role, Ball commented, “This is the hilarious thing, it’s all anyone talks to me about.” She expressed her affection for Winkleman and Daly, saying, “At the moment I am in mourning for Tess and Claud because I love those girls.”
Zoe fondly recalled her time on the show, stating, “I love that show. I loved performing on it with Ian Waite, who is one of my best buddies.” She emphasized the unique nature of live television, adding, “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.”
While she has not yet engaged in discussions with the BBC about the hosting role, she has a clear preference for potential co-hosts, naming Rylan Clark or Vernon Kay as ideal candidates.
Zoe Ball made history as the first woman to host the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show solo, taking on the role in 1998 after her co-host, Kevin Greening, departed. Her diverse presenting portfolio also includes stints on shows such as Top Of The Pops from 1996 to 1998, Live And Kicking from 1996 to 1999, and SMart from 1994 to 1996.
The latest series of Strictly Come Dancing concluded with former England Lionesses footballer Karen Carney emerging as the champion. As fans await the upcoming series, Zoe Ball’s candid remarks have intensified interest in the future of the show’s hosting lineup.
