Anticipation is mounting for the BBC to finally announce the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing, and Zoe Ball has dropped a fresh clue that she might be the one. Since longtime co-presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly confirmed their exit at the end of 2025, rumors have been rife over who will step into their dazzling dance shoes and what the future of the show will look like.
Upheaval Behind the Scenes
As fans have been patiently waiting for the news, there has already been plenty of upheaval for the flagship show. Five Strictly pros were axed in a brutal 'bloodbath,' and the spin-off It Takes Two has taken on a whole new format. The broadcaster has now confirmed the rest of the pros will be returning, alongside judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel-Horwood, Anton Du Beke, and Motsi Mabuse. The new professionals will be announced closer to the new series in autumn.
Host Auditions Underway
Now, all that is left is for the BBC to confirm the new hosts. Sources shared that auditions recently took place for the final 10 candidates, including personalities like Emma Willis, Rylan Clark, and Alison Hammond. The rigorous process reportedly included 'chemistry tests' and a series of screen tests before bosses decided on the lucky combination set to helm Strictly into a new era. According to The Sun, the BBC has made those involved in the recruitment process sign an ironclad NDA, and those in the running have been asked not to drop any hints on social media.
Zoe Ball's Social Media Clue
Still, fans were already convinced that former Radio 2 host Zoe had landed the gig alongside Angela Scanlon when the pair were the only two of the rumored final 10 to comment their excitement under Strictly's returning pros and judges announcement. Now eagle-eyed followers have noticed that Zoe, who formerly hosted the spin-off show It Takes Two from 2011 to 2021, has followed all the judges and returning pros on Instagram. This includes the two newest pros, Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon, who joined the show in 2025, and do not follow Zoe back.
Source Insights
A source told The Sun: 'She is also universally loved by Beeb bosses, treasured by those she works with – she is so kind to everyone from the runners to the execs – and would be such a safe pair of hands. After all, she knows it inside out.' The source added: 'It is down to three female options right now, and Zoe is one of them. Officially, no offer has been made to anyone, and frankly, Zoe isn't sure she wants or needs the constant scrutiny that comes with such a massive gig.'
Other Contenders
As for the others in the running, Alison recently reiterated to Metro her enthusiasm for the gig. 'I am not too busy, I am fitter than I have ever been before. I can do Strictly. I can do it all. All these people saying: "I am too busy, and I cannot do it…", I could do Strictly. Let us put that on the record.' Meanwhile, The Chase's Bradley may well be out of the running after he announced his new tour dates, which risk coinciding with the return of the show in September.
With the new series set to air in autumn, fans will have to wait a little longer to see who will take the reins. But with Zoe Ball's latest move, the signs are pointing strongly in her favor.
