Zoe Ball is moving on to an exciting new chapter after just missing out on becoming the next host of Strictly Come Dancing. The 55-year-old radio presenter, who stepped away from her BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show late last year after almost six years, has reportedly secured a prime slot at rival station Greatest Hits Radio this autumn.
Zoe Ball has landed a new job after narrowly missing out on becoming the host of Strictly Come Dancing
She’ll be joining familiar faces like Ken Bruce—whose mid-morning show on Radio 2 ran from 1986 to 2023—and Simon Mayo. A source told The Sun: “Greatest Hits have wanted her for a while. As soon as Zoe heard about the Strictly role, she decided to take it. She loves radio and can’t wait to get started.”
Zoe narrowly missed out on the coveted Strictly hosting job, which went to the trio Emma Willis (50), Josh Widdicombe (43), and Johannes Radebe (39). They are set to take over the ballroom in September, following the departures of long-time hosts Tess Daly (57) and Claudia Winkleman (54).
Zoe missed out on the coveted Strictly hosting role to trio, Emma Willis, 50, Josh Widdicombe, 43, and Johannes Radebe, 39
Despite the disappointment, Zoe has been keeping her sense of humour. Speaking last month, she joked about the screen test: “I tried out with Josh—he’s hilarious! Emma is gorgeous, and I love Johannes, so they’re going to ace it. And I don’t have to get a facelift now, so I’m quite happy!”
On her Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley, Zoe reflected on missing the role with grace: “I didn’t get it, but it’s OK. I’ve worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection, and I’m thrilled for the new hosts. The BBC has made the right decision, and we’re in safe hands.”
The selection process was shrouded in secrecy. Nine stars were called to a top-secret London location for full-scale dress rehearsals with a live band and judging panel. Strict NDAs ensured the auditions stayed under wraps. Among those invited for callbacks were Rylan Clark, Emma Willis, Tom Allen, and Alex Jones.
Fans can look forward to a star-studded 24th series of Strictly, with familiar professional dancers returning—including Dianne Buswell, Nancy Xu, Vito Coppola, Julian Caillon, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Amy Dowden, Katya and Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Alexis Warr, and Kai Widdrington.
For Zoe, the new radio slot is the perfect fresh start—keeping her behind the mic, doing what she loves, and opening an exciting autumn chapter in her career. 🎧✨
