BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball artfully avoided a leading question about her future during her final regular show on the station, sparking fresh speculation she is in the running to host Strictly Come Dancing.
A Farewell Filled With Speculation
The broadcaster, 55, signed off from her Saturday afternoon slot on December 20, 2025, in what she described as a 'sort-of station swansong', noting she would return for specials. Comedian Romesh Ranganathan, who was handing over the reins, compared her departure to a 'death in the family'.
During the emotional handover, Ranganathan hinted at the rumours swirling around Ball's next move. He began to ask, 'Is it true you’re leaving your Saturday show because of…' before jokingly blaming 'Sally on traffic'. Ball played along with the humour but clearly dodged addressing the real implication of the question about her potential new role.
The Strictly Come Dancing Shortlist
This exchange follows a report that the BBC has assembled a 10-strong shortlist of potential presenters to replace the iconic duo of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who shocked viewers by announcing the 2025 series would be their last.
According to a TV insider speaking to The Sun, the corporation faces a 'mammoth task' in finding successors and has planned a chemistry day to test possible pairings. The reported frontrunners are said to be Bradley Walsh, Alex Jones, and Alan Carr.
The full reported shortlist includes:
- Bradley Walsh
- Alex Jones
- Alan Carr
- Rylan Clark
- Rob Rinder
- Zoe Ball
- Holly Willoughby
- Amanda Holden
- Alison Hammond
- Angela Scanlon
The source explained that contenders will be put into different pairs in a studio to see which combinations have the best on-screen dynamic, with the final format still flexible.
What's Next for Zoe Ball and Strictly?
While Ball remained coy on air, promising listeners she 'won’t be a stranger' to Radio 2, her name on the prestigious Strictly shortlist places her firmly in the conversation for one of British television's most coveted jobs. Her evasive response to Ranganathan has only fuelled further intrigue about her next career move.
The search for new Strictly hosts marks a significant moment for the BBC, as it seeks to maintain the show's enormous popularity following the departure of its two well-loved anchors. The outcome of the chemistry tests will be crucial in determining who ultimately takes the helm.
