Zoe Ball has said she’s glad she didn’t get the job as Strictly’s new host as she “doesn’t need to have a facelift now”.
The radio host, 55, was in the running to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on the BBC series, but last week, Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe were revealed to be the new faces of the show.
Ball has now opened up about the audition process, revealing that she screen tested with Widdcombe, whom she described as hilarious.
“He is going to be so good,” she said on her Dig It! podcast. “Emma is just gorgeous and I love Johannes, so they are going to ace it.”
She said she is “thrilled” for the trio, calling their hiring the right decision.
She told Dig It! co-host Jo Whiley: “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.
Ball continued: “I was so chuffed to even be in the mix. There were some pretty amazing people who didn't even make it into the mix.
“So I made it in the mix, and I had a really fun time having one last little play at a show that I love and adore. And I'm so thrilled for the gang that has got it.
“I think there's been so many eyes on this whole process – everyone's quite relieved now that a decision has been made and the right decision has been made.”
Sharing the news in a statement, Willis said that she’s a “huge fan” of Strictly and “can’t quite comprehend” becoming a presenter on the show. “It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind – two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long,” she said.
“I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter. I can’t wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and the judges. Fingers crossed for a 10 from them!”
Widdicombe – who competed in the 2024 Christmas Special – said that dancing the Charleston while dressed as a penguin “remains my career high point”. He added: “I am giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television. I adore Emma and Jojo and can’t wait to spend my weekends with them. I’ll dust off the penguin costume.”
Radebe, who is rumoured to be taking on a “roving reporter” role, added: “To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined.
“This show has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward. To do it alongside the formidable Emma Willis and the utterly brilliant Josh Widdicombe makes it even more special. I’m ready – sequins, nerves, and all, please bear with me. Love Jojo.”
