Strictly Come Dancing fans are eager to find out who will step into the shoes of presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman now that they’ve hosted their final live show – and one speculated name is said to be a definite frontrunner.
Ms Daly has presented the BBC dance competition for 21 years, with Ms Winkleman having joined her in 2010 after previously fronting the spin-off show, It Takes Two.
The pair announced in October they’d be stepping down from their roles after the 2025 series, which concluded on Saturday and saw former Lioness Karen Carney and dancer Carlos Gu lifting the Glitterball Trophy.
Since the shock news, fans have speculated over who might be taking over the distinguished position, and Zoe Ball’s name has been among the theories.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have now left their roles as BBC Strictly presenters
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BBCThe presenter’s famous father, Johnny Ball, has confirmed his daughter is definitely “in the mix” as he discussed the possibility of Ms Ball replacing one of the presenters.
Ms Ball took over from Ms Winkleman to present It Takes Two in 2011, and maintained the hosting duty until 2021.
She also took part in Strictly Come Dancing herself in 2005, partnered with former pro Ian Waite.
“Nothing’s going to be decided until after Easter, but she’s in the mix, and people are coming to her, but it’s too early to say,” Mr Ball teased.
Zoe Ball is ‘in the mix’ for the BBC Strictly presenting role
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GETTY
Speaking to Express, he continued by applauding his daughter’s presenting capabilities.
“I think she would love it, I think she would love the job because she took over from Claudia on It Takes Two, and if anything, she did a better job than Claudia,” he stated.
Ms Ball has also fed into the speculation, recently sharing a horoscope message on social media indicating 2026 would see her taking on something “new”.
The post she shared read: “It will be a powerful year for you. There’s a lot of newness and freshness coming into your life. There’s a lot to feel and heal.
Zoe Ball has just left her Radio 2 show
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PA
“You’re clearing a lot of old karma this year, karma that is older than you in this life, karma that encompasses much larger cycles of who you are. You are being asked to find your way back home, to where you belong within yourself.”
The message concluded: “This year wants you to unlearn so many things and meet yourself in an organic and raw way, without any filters or glitters, just to experience yourself clean and clear.”
Ms Ball also quit her Radio 2 show on Saturday, December 20. She told fans: “I have loved being betwixt my dear friends Romesh (Ranganathan) and Rylan (Clark), and you know, I love you all to bits, but I’m not disappearing completely.
“Obviously, it’ll be Christmas Crooners and I’m doing an eras show in the new year, more on that later.”
Zoe Ball hosted BBC Strictly’s spin-off chat show, It Takes Two, from 2011 to 2021
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BBC
She also announced her replacement as she teased: “But I am thrilled to tell you that you will be in the safest of hands, because there is a super woman who is no stranger to you all.
“But this does mean that she will officially become a member of the Radio 2 family.
“You’ll have loved her on The Voice, The Circle, Big Brother, Cooking With The Stars, Love Is blind, and delivering babies, she’s a gorgeous lass so welcome to the BBC Radio 2 family and Saturday afternoons, Emma Willis.”
