Zoe Ball has become the first high-profile figure to publicly declare her interest in succeeding Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as hosts of Strictly Come Dancing.
The 54-year-old broadcaster made the revelation during this week’s episode of her Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley, responding to the unexpected news of the presenting duo’s departure from the BBC’s flagship entertainment programme.
Ms Ball’s admission makes her the first name tipped by bookies to openly express ambitions for the coveted Saturday night presenting role, following the shock announcement that sent ripples through the entertainment industry.
When her co-star Ms Whiley directly questioned whether she would want the position, Ms Ball responded candidly: “I think everyone would like to do that job.
BBC Strictly: Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are leaving the show
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BBC“It’s an amazing job. It’s the best Saturday night show.”
Ms Ball delved further by explaining her fondness for the current series. “When I’m watching Ellie [Goldstein] dancing with Vito [Coppola] or Lewis [Cope] and Katya [Jones], and Alex [Kingston] and JoJo [Radebe]… they’re just so amazing.
“It still brings so much joy to people’s lives, that show. Whoever takes over will have the best gig in the world.”
Ms Ball emphasised that she knew she wouldn’t be alone in wanting the gig, adding: “Everyone’s going to want that job. There will be queues going around the block.”
Zoe Ball has admitted she’d love the job
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PALATEST STRICTLY COME DANCING NEWS:
Her comments mark the first time a prominent television personality has openly acknowledged interest in the role since the departure announcement.
Ms Ball brings substantial experience to any potential candidacy, having competed as a contestant in the 2005 series where she secured second place alongside professional partner Ian Waite.
Her decade-long tenure presenting It Takes Two commenced in 2011 when she succeeded Ms Winkleman, who transitioned to the main programme alongside Ms Daly.
Ms Ball has even previously stepped in as guest presenter during the 2014 series whilst Ms Winkleman took temporary leave.
Zoe Ball used to present It Takes Two
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Ms Ball departed It Takes Two in 2021. A return to primetime BBC programming would follow her unexpected departure from the Radio 2 Breakfast Show in late 2024, where she commanded an annual salary of approximately £950,000.
The broadcaster gave up the prestigious morning slot after nearly six years, citing a desire to spend additional time with her family and pursue different opportunities.
Ms Ball shares two children with former husband Norman Cook, known professionally as Fatboy Slim – 25-year-old Woody and 15-year-old Nelly.
However, she revealed in August that she sometimes questions her decision to step back, admitting: “I gave up work because she’s going to do her GCSEs but she’s never there. She’s out with her mates. I’m like, ‘I’ve given up work for you’.”
Ms Ball also paid tribute to the departing Strictly presenters, describing them as “fab” and acknowledging they would be “a tough act to follow on that show.”
She added: “Those girls broke glass ceilings… to have two girls at the helm of a Saturday night entertainment show was so unique. And why shouldn’t it be that way? It’s brilliant.”
Despite her interest, Ms Ball suggested her opportunity might have passed, remarking: “I think my ship may have passed, but that’s okay.”
She proposed actress Hannah Waddingham as another potential candidate, noting: “We all saw her do Eurovision.”