Zoe Ball Confirms She Lost 1 of 2 Strictly 2026 Hosting Roles

10 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 12

Zoe Ball said on her Dig It podcast that she did not win a Strictly Come Dancing 2026 presenting job after recent BBC screen tests, making her the first linked contender to publicly confirm she is out.
The BBC is replacing both Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after their departures last year, and Ball said the lengthy audition process has now ended with what she called "the right decision."
Ball hinted the winners are already known, saying the show is "in safe hands" and that the new hosts will be "fabulous," though she did not name them before the BBC's formal announcement.
Emma Willis has been widely reported as a leading candidate for 1 of the 2 roles, while Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are also still said to be in contention.
The decision closes months of speculation over one of British TV's highest-profile jobs, with the BBC saying plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.

Why was 'Strictly' veteran Zoe Ball rejected as host after a secret, high-stakes audition process?

With hosts and dancers leaving, is the 2026 'Strictly' revamp too risky for the BBC's biggest show?

Who are the surprise hosts chosen to lead the biggest 'Strictly Come Dancing' shake-up in history?