The search for new faces to lead the iconic BBC dance competition Strictly Come Dancing has taken a fresh turn, with a famous family member weighing in on a leading candidate's prospects.
A Father's Insight into the Hosting Race
Veteran television presenter and mathematician Johnny Ball, 87, has shared that his daughter, radio and TV personality Zoe Ball, 55, is being considered for the coveted presenting role. The positions became vacant in October 2025 when long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their surprise departure from the series.
Speaking to the Express, Johnny Ball provided a key update, stating, "Nothing's going to be decided until after Easter, but she's in the mix, and people are coming to her, but it's too early to say." He expressed confidence in his daughter's abilities, adding, "I think she would love the job because she took over from Claudia on It Takes Two, and if anything, she did a better job than Claudia."
Zoe Ball's Strong Strictly Pedigree
Zoe Ball is no stranger to the Strictly universe, making her a natural favourite for the role. Her history with the show includes:
- Competing as a celebrity contestant in the 2005 series.
- Hosting the companion show Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two from 2011 until 2021, where she succeeded Claudia Winkleman.
Speculation about her potential promotion intensified recently. Ball fuelled rumours by sharing a cryptic horoscope message on Instagram in December 2025, hinting at significant changes for Sagittarians in 2026. The post discussed "a lot of newness and freshness coming into your life" and finding one's way "back home, to where you belong."
This social media activity coincided with a major career shift. On Saturday 20 December 2025, Zoe Ball presented her final live show on BBC Radio 2, handing over the Saturday afternoon slot to Emma Willis. She assured listeners she was not "disappearing completely," with planned specials still to come.
An Era Ends as Another Begins
The hunt for new hosts follows the emotional exit of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who presented their final episode of Strictly on the same Saturday. Daly, who had fronted the show for 21 years, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, thanking the team and viewers for "the memories of a lifetime." Winkleman, a host for 15 years, responded with a series of red heart emojis.
With the BBC expected to make a decision after Easter 2026, the broadcasting world will be watching closely to see if Zoe Ball will step into the glittering main show spotlight, continuing a family legacy in British entertainment.
