Zoe Ball reacts to Strictly hosting snub after months of rumours

Entertainment
12 May 2026 • 4:38 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Zoe Ball reacts to Strictly hosting snub after months of rumours

  • Zoe Ball, a prominent contender to host Strictly Come Dancing, has confirmed she did not secure the role, despite widespread speculation that she would replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
  • Ball reportedly expressed her disappointment, stating she had “worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection” after failing to land the coveted position.
  • She believes the show's producers made the “right decision” in their selection and conveyed her excitement for the new hosts, whose identities she did not reveal.
  • The former It Takes Two host was “chuffed to even be in the mix” for the role, acknowledging that many other notable figures did not even reach the audition stage.
  • Reports suggest that other rumoured candidates, including Angela Scanlon, Alex Jones, and Rylan Clark, also missed out, with an official announcement expected after the Eurovision Song Contest final.

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