Zoe Ball confirms she did not get Strictly presenting role

PA Media

Zoe Ball has confirmed she will not be one of the new presenters of Strictly Come Dancing, following an extensive audition process.

The BBC is expected to announce who will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on the dance competition in the coming weeks, following the pair's departure last year.

Discussing the Strictly role on the new episode of her Dig It podcast, Ball said: "I didn't get it, but it's OK."

She told her co-host Jo Whiley: "I have worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection over the last couple of days."

Ball is the first presenter who had been linked with the role to publicly confirm she had taken part in the recent screen tests held by the BBC and is now out of the running.

"Obviously the papers have got wind of certain things, I don't think they've got the full story yet, and I don't think the BBC have confirmed everything as of yet," she noted.

In the podcast episode, due to be released later on Tuesday, the presenter said: "No, I didn't get it, but I tell you what, if it's who I think has got it, we're in safe hands and our new hosts are going to be fabulous.

"I'm so thrilled for them, and hopefully at a later date, we'll be able to talk about them in more detail."

Ball has had a long career at the BBC, with roles presenting the Radio 1 and Radio 2 breakfast shows, as well as Strictly's own spin-off It Takes Two.

Discussing the Strictly presenting roles, she told Whiley: "I don't want to be the one to say the wrong thing, but I was so chuffed to even be in the mix. There were some pretty amazing people who didn't even make it into the mix.

"So I made it in the mix, and I had a really fun time having one last little play at a show that I love and adore. And I'm so thrilled for the gang that has got it.

"I think there's been so many eyes on this whole process, everyone's quite relieved now that a decision has been made and the right ­decision has been made."

Ball continued: "It's going to be a highly scrutinised situation, and I think the new hosts will be so relieved when it's out there and everyone can just talk about the show, and who's going to be the celebrities this year, and then they can settle into that."

She added: "My mum always used to say, 'what's for you will come your way'. And I'm really grateful that I got to do the show."

Ball was a contestant on Strictly herself in 2005, finishing in third place with her partner Ian Waite.

"But also, I got 10 years on It Takes Two of having so much fun," Ball continued. "And, you know, I'm a massive fan, so I will now be able to wear my PJs.

"I won't have to go to Turkey for the facelift Jo, which I'd bought the flights [for]," she joked. "So you know, I'm saving myself some money, and I will be taking all my sequin garments from the cupboards to the local charity shop.

"But I just want to say thanks to the team for including me in the process in the first place. And what a relief for everybody that it is now done."

Ball's comments come after months of speculation over who will be appointed to two of the top jobs in British television.

A shortlist reportedly drawn up earlier this year included household names such as Rylan Clark, Alex Jones, Bradley Walsh and Rob Rinder.

Other names linked with the role early on included Holly Willoughby, Alan Carr, Amanda Holden and Alison Hammond, although they have all since reportedly ruled themselves out.

The shortlist has now reportedly been whittled down by the BBC following a series of on-screen chemistry tests in recent weeks.

The latest newspaper reports suggest former Big Brother and The Voice presenter Emma Willis is set to be offered one of the two roles.

Willis currently presents a Saturday afternoon show on BBC Radio 2 which was previously presented by Ball.

Comedian Josh Widdecombe and pro dancer Johannes Radebe are also still in the frame, according to the Sun.

Ball concluded: "You just want to know what you're doing over the next few months, don't you? And I think that's been the thing for everybody [the other possible presenters].

"Everybody's been on slightly on hold, 'oh, you know, can I do that tour? Can I do that show? Can I also do this?'

"So I think everybody who's been through the process will be relieved now to know, and I think everyone's the same, everyone will be chuffed to have been included.

"But we are in safe hands. If what I have figured out with my Jessica Fletcher investigations, we are in safe hands, and the show is gonna be brilliant."

A BBC spokesman said: "Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course."