Zoe Ball has responded to speculation that she’ll be one of the presenters taking over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as host of Strictly Come Dancing.
Ms Ball, 55, has been among the list of names circulating in the Strictly rumour mill after she competed as a contestant in 2005 before presenting spin-off show It Takes Two until 2011.
Presenter Ms Ball has even previously stepped in as guest host during the 2014 series whilst Ms Winkleman took temporary leave.
After Ms Winkleman and Ms Ball announced last year they’d be leaving their presenting roles, speculation over who might replace them has been rife.
BBC Strictly presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly stepped down from the series last year | BBC
The show seems to be undergoing some big shake-ups alongside the hosting switch, with many of the professional dancers confirmed to have left the series.
On Wednesday, the BBC finally confirmed the list of returning pros, and their Instagram announcement prompted Ms Ball to address fan speculation.
It came as she left a celebratory comment on the post which read: “Boom boom boom.”
The simple three-word remark got people talking even more about the potential for Ms Ball to be joining the show as presenter.
Zoe Ball set the record straight on Instagram
|
PAOne fan responded to her comment, writing: “The fact that Zoe has been commenting on SO many Strictly posts makes me think she got the gig.”
Another added: “Please be the new host.”
Ms Ball swiftly shut down the conversation though, writing: “We’re all just superfans like you.”
However, Strictly has yet to confirm who will be taking over to front the popular weekend show, so until the announcement is made, the celebrity or celebrities with the gig will have to remain tight-lipped.
Zoe Ball is understood to be among those in the running for the BBC Strictly presenting role | GETTY
Ms Ball wasn’t the only one associated with the show to have commented on the post, with many of the dancers also reacting to the announcement.
Karen Hauer broke her silence on the confirmed line-up despite being among those cut from the show.
Ms Hauer, 44, was the longest-serving dancer left on the show, but it was recently announced she wouldn’t be returning following a “mass cull” of professionals who appear to have been “axed.”
As well as Ms Hauer, it’s been confirmed Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas have left the show following rumours they had been removed.
BBC Strictly’s official account shared a series of photos of the returning pros alongside the caption: “Welcome back our Judges and Pros for 2026!”
Along with several other reactions from co-stars, Ms Hauer penned: “Can’t wait to see you all on the ballroom floor!”
Returning dancers also left delighted messages, with Nikita Kuzmin adding: “Let’s goooo team. So, so happy to be back.” (sic)
Vito Coppola remarked: “Bellissimo grazie mille. Infinity grateful.”
Amy Dowden echoed this sentiment by commenting: “Forever grateful.”