Zoe Ball reveals she will not be the new Strictly Come Dancing host: 'I was so chuffed to even be in the mix'
'I didn't get it!'Zoe Ball has revealed that she was not selected to become the new host of Strictly Come Dancing.
Last year, the presenting duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their departure from the hit BBC show. Their replacements have yet to be confirmed; however, an official announcement is expected very soon.
Following speculation, Zoe was highly rumoured to be one of the replacements. But according to the 55-year-old, she has not secured the gig…
Zoe Ball confirms she will not be the new Strictly host
On the latest episode of her Dig It podcast with co-star Jo Whiley, Zoe revealed: “I didn’t get it, but it’s OK.”
“I have worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection over the last couple of days,” she continued.
Zoe is the first presenter linked to the role to publicly confirm she took part in the recent BBC screen tests and is now no longer in the running.
“Obviously, the papers have got wind of certain things, I don’t think they’ve got the full story yet, and I don’t think the BBC have confirmed everything as of yet,” she continued.
In the episode, which will be released today (May 12), Zoe said that viewers are in “safe hands” if the new presenters are who she thinks they are, remarking: “Our new hosts are going to be fabulous.”
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Despite not getting the job, Zoe said she is “thrilled for them”. She also shared that she was “so chuffed to even be in the mix”.
She added: “It’s going to be a highly scrutinised situation, and I think the new hosts will be so relieved when it’s out there and everyone can just talk about the show, and who’s going to be the celebrities this year, and then they can settle into that.”
Emma Willis tipped for role
While no name has been confirmed, Emma Willis has been heavily rumoured to be one of the replacements.
“Emma is a household name and a safe pair of hands so the BBC know she will do the job justice,” a source told The Sun.
The insider went on: “She’s incredibly popular with the public too and will suit the role down to a tee. She was absolutely thrilled to have been offered the job.”
Elsewhere, the show has also undergone a major shake-up involving its pro dancers. So far, five dancers have announced their departure.
Read more: Strictly star Gorka Marquez announced as latest pro dancer to leave show after 10 years
