Zoe Ball teases "glamorous" new project as Jo Whiley hints at Strictly host reveal

Zoe Ball has fuelled the speculation that she could be one of the new presenters on Strictly Come Dancing, following the departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

Ever since the presenting duo announced their departure from the entertainment programme last year, speculation has been rife as to who could step into the glittery shoes and lead proceedings each Saturday night.

While the BBC hasn't officially confirmed who will take over from the pair, Zoe Ball is one name that has cropped up as a worthy contender.

During a segment on Dig It with Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball, Ball said of her upcoming plans: "Absolutely nothing going on my end. Nothing going on my end at all – she said suspiciously."

"Hopefully, afterwards I’ll be able to tell you about it all, but obviously at the moment I can’t say anything about it," she added.

When co-host Whiley noted that Ball had dyed her hair, Ball said: "I’ve had some pieces put in because I need to be glamorous for something."

"Why would you be needing to be glamorous?" Whiley asked, as Ball responded: "Oh, you know, for doing the garden. I just caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, and I’ve just been going down the shops."

Jo Whiley then made a cheeky comment, "Strictly gardening," before Ball swiftly moved on.

This, of course, could be jokes between friends but Ball has previously said she would "love" to preside as host.

In an interview with The Sunday Times earlier this year, the former It Takes Two host said of taking over the helm: "Obviously, there's a part of me that would love to do it. But I will still be watching, whoever hosts."

Speaking of the show, Ball added: "This is the hilarious thing, it’s all anyone talks to me about.

“At the moment I am in mourning for Tess and Claud because I love those girls. I think everyone’s name is being thrown into the mix. I love that show. I loved performing on it with Ian Waite, who is one of my best buddies.

"It's so joyful, and it's live telly, which is another thing that people don't give the girls enough credit for. That show is a beast. Whoever gets to do it has a tough act to follow."

At the time of reporting, no one has been confirmed to take over as hosts for the show, with the BBC previously confirmed that plans for the 2026 run would be announced in due course.

Kate Phillips, the Chief Content Officer at the BBC, previously appeared on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast and said that casting the new presenters would take place in early 2026.

At the time, she said: "We've got time so I don't think we'll really be looking at it until the New Year because we want to make sure we deliver a great Strictly series. Having said that, yes – my inbox has been inundated.

"I can't say names obviously but it is one of the best gigs in television so we have had so many people who are keen to be considered which is great. We'll think carefully about next steps on it but yes, there's no room where we all go."

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year.

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