Zoe Ball has light-heartedly joked that not being chosen as a new host of Strictly Come Dancing means she won't need a facelift. The BBC finally confirmed that Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe will take over presenting duties, following months of speculation after Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced their departure last year.
Zoe Ball's Reaction to Missing Out
The 55-year-old presenter was considered a frontrunner due to her extensive experience, including competing on Strictly in 2005 and hosting spin-off show It Takes Two. Earlier this month, she admitted she was 'grieving' the loss of the opportunity. However, in a new interview with The Sun, she expressed relief. 'I screen tested with Josh and he is hilarious. He is going to be so good,' she said. 'Emma is just gorgeous and I love Johannes, so they are going to ace it. And I don't have to have a facelift, so I'm quite happy.'
Support for New Hosts
When the announcement was made, Zoe celebrated on Instagram, commenting: 'CREW. congrats Emma Jojo and Josh. You're gonna ROCK IT.' Fans praised her graciousness, with one writing: 'You're a class act, Zoe,' and another adding: 'You are such a gracious and kind person.' Zoe also revealed she messaged each new host individually, saying 'they're going to be brilliant.' She added: 'It needed fresh energy, and you can totally see why that's happening. It's like, move forwards, and that is great.'
New Presenters' Excitement
Emma Willis, known for Big Brother and The Voice, said 'stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can't quite comprehend.' Johannes Radebe, a pro dancer since 2018, shared that being selected 'is beyond anything I ever imagined.' Comedian Josh Widdicombe said he is 'giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television.'
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year.
