Is Zoe Ball the subsequent Strictly host? Fans speculate star may change Claudia Winkleman or Tess Daly on the ballroom present after quitting Radio 2
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She announced live on air on Saturday that she is quitting her weekend show on BBC Radio 2 after seven months, with her final broadcast just days away.
And now, Strictly Come Dancing fans have flocked to social media to speculate whether British broadcaster Zoe Ball, 55, could be heading for the glitzy ballroom as a potential new host – replacing either Claudia Winkleman, 53, or Tess Daly, 56.
Ladbrokes has also suspended betting on Tess and Claudia’s Strictly replacements following the news of Zoe’s Radio 2 exit.
Zoe was previously 4/1 with the bookies for one of the coveted roles, but now appears to be pipping several of the other ‘Golden Ten’ contenders to the post.
A spokesperson for Ladbrokes told Daily Mail: ‘Radio 2’s loss will be Strictly’s gain, if the latest odds are anything to go by… we’ve now pulled the plug on Tess and Claudia’s replacement with Zoe Ball seemingly a shoo-in for the job.’
It comes as the DJ, who returned to Radio 2 in May after stepping down from the flagship Breakfast Show last year, revealed she will be replaced by Emma Willis, 49.
Zoe Ball announced live on air on Saturday that she is quitting her weekend show on BBC Radio 2 after just seven months, with her final broadcast set to take place just days away (pictured 2024)
And now, Strictly Come Dancing fans have flocked to social media to speculate whether the British broadcaster, 55, could be heading for the glitzy ballroom as a potential new host – replacing either Claudia Winkleman, 53, or Tess Daly, 56 (both pictured this month)
Zoe confirmed she will host her final Saturday show on December 20, but insisted she will not disappear completely and will return to front specials for the station.
Revealing Emma’s identity to listeners, she said: ‘I have loved being betwixt my dear friends [and fellow presenters] Romesh [Ranganathan] and Rylan, and you know, I love you all to bits, but I’m not disappearing completely’.
‘Obviously, it’ll be Christmas Crooners, and I’m doing an Eras show in the New Year, more on that later. I am thrilled to tell you that you will be in the safest of hands, because there is a superwoman who is no stranger to you all, but this does mean that she will officially become a member of the Radio 2 family.’
In an official statement, Zoe said: ‘Spending Saturday lunchtimes with the Radio 2 gang has been an absolute hoot, the listeners, the stories, and of course my weekly giggles with Romesh and Rylan’.
Before adding: ‘I am over the moon for the fabulous Emma to take the reins, she’s pure sunshine and is going to bring all the joy (and tunes!) to your Saturdays!’.
Meanwhile, Emma said: ‘I’m a huge fan of Radio 2, so I’m absolutely chuffed to be joining the family – and it’s a real honour to follow in the huge footsteps Zoe leaves behind, who’s someone I admire and adore’.
‘I’m very much looking forward to spending my Saturday lunchtimes with the Radio 2 audience and I’ll happily be the filling to a Romesh and Rylan sandwich!’
The BBC later took to Instagram to confirm the news, as well as plugging Zoe’s first special programme for the station.
It comes as the DJ, who returned to Radio 2 in May after stepping down from the flagship Breakfast Show last year, revealed she will be replaced by Emma Willis, 49 (Emma pictured)
Zoe (seen) confirmed she will host her final Saturday show on December 20, but insisted she will not disappear completely and will return to front specials for the station
Following the announcement, fans were quick to speculate about Zoe’s next move
They said: ‘Zoe will continue to host specials on the station and her first new project is a new series of the award-winning Eras podcast for Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, focusing on the life and legendary career of Phil Collins.’
Following the announcement, fans were quick to speculate about Zoe’s next move.
One wrote: ‘Is Zoe Strictly bound? I do hope so.’; ‘Congratulations to Emma, could Zoe be the new Strictly presenter? Let’s hope so x’
Another added: ‘Hope you’ve got your name down for Strictly host.’; ‘Got to be hosting Strictly…. surely!’
It comes just a day after the Daily Mail reported that BBC bosses have reportedly drawn up a ‘Golden Ten’ shortlist as they search for potential new Strictly hosts.
According to reports, presenters including Bradley Walsh, Alex Jones and Alan Carr are among the frontrunners, with insiders claiming bosses will put contenders through a series of partner-swap chemistry tests to find the perfect on-screen match.
A source told The Sun: ‘Replacing Claudia and Tess is a mammoth task, but the BBC have whittled down the talent to ten people.
It comes just a day after the Daily Mail reported that BBC bosses have reportedly drawn up a ‘Golden Ten’ shortlist as they search for potential new Strictly hosts (L-R Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke)
According to reports, presenters including Bradley Walsh, Alex Jones and Alan Carr (seen) are among the frontrunners, with insiders claiming bosses will put contenders through a series of partner-swap chemistry tests to find the perfect on-screen match
‘As well as Bradley, Alex and Alan, Rylan Clark, Rob Rinder, Zoe Ball, and Holly Willoughby will be at the chemistry day.
‘Amanda Holden, Alison Hammond, and Angela Scanlon have made the cut too.’
The insider added that the stars will be brought into a studio and placed into different pairings to see who has the strongest on-screen connection.
They explained that pairings could consist of two women, two men, or a mixed partnership, as Strictly bosses look to ‘mix things up’ and find a combination that hasn’t been tried before.
Daily Mail has contacted BBC for comment.
