Strictly fans spot biggest clue yet Zoe Ball will be named host

Could Zoe Ball have accidentally hinted she’s landed the coveted Strictly gig BBC) (Credits: BBC)

Anticipation is rising for the BBC to finally announce who the new Strictly Come Dancing hosts will be – and Zoe Ball has dropped a fresh clue that it might be her.

Since longtime co-presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly confirmed their exit at the end of 2025, rumours have been rife over who will step into such dazzling dance shoes – and what the future of the show would look like.

As fans have been patiently waiting for the news, there has already been plenty of upheaval for the flagship show with five Strictly pros axed in a brutal ‘bloodbath’ and spin-off It Takes Two taking on a whole new format.

The broadcaster has now confirmed the rest of the pros will be returning, alongside judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel-Horwood, Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse. The new professionals will be announced closer to the new series in autumn.

Now, all that’s left is for the BBC to confirm the new hosts. Sources shared that auditions recently took place for the final 10 – including personalities like Emma Willis, Rylan Clark and Alison Hammond.

The rigorous process reportedly included ‘chemistry tests’ and a series of screen tests before bosses decided on the lucky combo set to helm Strictly into a new era.

There’s no official word yet on who will replace Tessa and Claudia, but big names are in the running (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)

According to The Sun, the BBC has made those involved in the recruitment process sign an ironclad NDA, and those in the running have been asked not to drop any hints on social media.

Still, fans were already convinced that former Radio 2 host Zoe had landed the gig alongside Angela Scanlon when the pair were the only two of the rumoured final 10 to comment their excitement under Strictly’s returning pros and judges announcement.

Now eagle-eyed followers have noticed that Zoe, who (just like Claudia) formerly hosted the spin-off show It Takes Two from 2011 to 2021, has followed all the judges and returning pros on Instagram.

The ex-Radio 2 host’s social media activity is building a strong case (Picture: PA)

This includes the two newest pros, Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon, who joined the show in 2025, and don’t follow Zoe back.

A source told The Sun: ‘She is also universally loved by Beeb bosses, treasured by those she works with – she is so kind to everyone from the runners to the execs – and would be such a safe pair of hands. After all, she knows it inside out.

‘It is down to three female options right now, and Zoe is one of them. Officially, no offer has been made to anyone, and frankly, Zoe isn’t sure she wants or needs the constant scrutiny that comes with such a massive gig.’

As for the others in the running, Alison recently reiterated to Metro her enthusiasm for the gig.

‘I’m not too busy, I’m fitter than I’ve ever been before. I can do Strictly. I can do it all. All these people saying: “I’m too busy, and I can’t do it…”, I could do Strictly. Let’s put that on the record.’

Meanwhile, The Chase’s Bradley may well be out of the running after he announced his new tour dates, which risk coinciding with the return of the show in September.

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