With Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepping aside, speculation intensifies over Strictly’s next era and whether Zoe Ball could return to the ballroom in a starring role
Rumours surrounding the future of Strictly Come Dancing have taken a decisive turn after Zoe Ball’s father confirmed that his daughter is being considered for one of the show’s most high-profile roles.
According to veteran broadcaster Johnny Ball, the Radio 2 star is officially “in the mix” to become one of Strictly’s new presenters, with the BBC expected to make a final decision after Easter.
A defining moment for Strictly as hosts step down
Saturday night’s grand final marked the end of an era for Strictly. Longtime presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman hosted their final live episode, closing a chapter that has spanned more than two decades.
Daly has fronted the show since its debut 21 years ago, while Winkleman joined her as co-host in 2014. Their departure, announced in October, immediately sparked widespread speculation about who could fill their shoes.
Johnny Ball: “She’s in the mix”
Speaking to the Express, Johnny Ball confirmed that his daughter’s name is firmly on the BBC’s radar.
“Nothing’s going to be decided until after Easter,” he said. “But she’s in the mix, and people are coming to her. It’s too early to say.”
He also suggested that Zoe Ball would relish the opportunity, pointing to her previous success within the Strictly universe.
“I think she would love the job,” he added. “She took over from Claudia on It Takes Two, and if anything, she did a better job than Claudia.”
The Independent has contacted representatives for Zoe Ball and the BBC for comment.
Zoe Ball’s long-standing Strictly connection
Zoe Ball is no stranger to the ballroom.
She competed as a celebrity contestant on Strictly back in 2005, before later becoming host of the spin-off show It Takes Two. She fronted the programme from 2011 for a decade, becoming a familiar and trusted face for Strictly fans.
Her experience both on and off the dance floor has led many viewers to see her as a natural successor during this transitional moment for the show.
Radio 2 departure fuels speculation
Johnny Ball’s comments came shortly after Zoe announced she was stepping down from her Radio 2 Saturday afternoon slot, a move that immediately fuelled speculation about a possible return to Strictly.
The presenter previously left the coveted Radio 2 Breakfast Show in 2024 to focus on family following the death of her mother. Since May, she had been hosting a weekend programme, making her latest exit particularly notable.
Fans were quick to connect the dots.
“I am hoping so much that Zoe is leaving to become one of the new Strictly Come Dancing hosts,” one viewer wrote on Instagram. Another added: “Does this mean Zoe will be Strictly’s new presenter?? Hope so!”
Other names in the frame
Zoe Ball is not the only star linked to the role.
Other rumoured contenders include former Take Me Out host Paddy McGuinness, Strictly 2018 winner Stacey Dooley, and current It Takes Two presenters Fleur East and Janette Manrara.
The BBC has yet to confirm an official shortlist.
An emotional farewell for Daly and Winkleman
Saturday night’s finale gave viewers a heartfelt goodbye to Daly and Winkleman. Judge Anton du Beke delivered a touching tribute that reduced Daly to tears, followed by a montage of fans sharing their favourite moments from the presenters’ time on the show.
The evening ended with another surprise when Craig Revel Horwood read out a letter from a very special fan, capping off an emotional send-off.
Although Daly and Winkleman will return for this year’s pre-recorded Strictly Christmas special, the final marked their last appearance in the ballroom as live hosts.
What happens next
With a BBC decision not expected until after Easter, speculation is likely to intensify in the coming months.
Replacing two of the most recognisable faces on British television is no small task. Whoever steps into the role will inherit not just a presenting job, but a central place in one of the UK’s most beloved TV traditions.
For now, Zoe Ball’s name sits firmly in the conversation — and if her father’s claims are accurate, Strictly fans may soon see a very familiar face returning to the ballroom spotlight.