Zoe Ball has given her verdict on the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing after losing out on the presenting gig herself. The BBC dance competition returns to our screens in September, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe making their hosting debuts after replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman earlier this year. Daly and Winkleman stepped down from the show in October 2025 after over a decade presenting together, explaining that it felt “like the right time” to leave.
Former It Takes Two presenter Ball revealed earlier this year that she had been in the running for one of the presenting roles, but ultimately lost out to Willis, Widdicombe and Radebe – saying in May that she had “worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection”. Now, Ball has spoken again about Strictly taking on new hosts, showering new presenter Willis with praise. If Claudia Winkleman hadn’t stepped aside on It Takes Two, I’d never have got to do it.
If Emma Forbes hadn’t left Live & Kicking, I would never have got to do it. And you need that evolution in telly.” After Willis, Widdicombe and Radebe were announced as the new faces of Strictly in May, Ball confirmed that she had auditioned for the role, saying: “I didn’t get it, but it’s OK. And I'm so thrilled for the gang that has got it,” she added.
Plan auto-renews until cancelled. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. She also said at the time that she was “thrilled” for the trio and that she was relieved as it meant she didn’t “need to have a facelift”.
Earlier this month, the BBC announced that ex Strictly contestant Ellie Taylor would be the new host of It Takes Two – replacing former presenters Janette Manrara and Fleur East. She follows in the footsteps of Winkleman, Ball and This Morning’s Rylan Clark. The 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing will kick off on Saturday 19 September on BBC One, with the likes of EastEnders’ Lacey Turner, Love Island’s Dani Dyer, Game of Thrones star Bethany Antonia, Big Brother host Will Best and dog trainer Graeme Hall joining the cast.
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