Zoe Ball ‘lands new radio job at rival station’ after narrowly missing out on becoming the new host of Strictly Come Dancing
Zoe Ball has landed a new job after narrowly missing out on becoming the presenter of Strictly Come Dancing.
The 55-year-old radio presenter, who left the Radio 2 breakfast show late last year after almost six years, is said to have taken up a new slot on rival Greatest Hits Radio.
He will join former colleagues such as Ken Bruce and Simon Mayo, who hosted the weekday mid-morning show on BBC Radio 2 between 1986 and 2023.
Zoe missed out on the coveted Strictly hosting role to trio Emma Willis (50), Josh Widdicombe (43) and Johannes Radebe (39).
They will take over the ballroom dancing competition in September, following the departure of long-time hosts Tess Daly, 57, and Claudia Winkleman, 54, last year.
A source said about Zoe’s next career venture: Sun: ‘Greatest Hits have wanted her for a while and Zoe decided to take the job as soon as she found out about the Strictly job.
Zoe Ball has landed a new job after narrowly missing out on becoming the presenter of Strictly Come Dancing
‘She absolutely loves being a radio presenter and has taken time to think about what she wants after leaving the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show a year ago.
‘He knows a lot of people at the trading station and can’t wait to get started. ‘He will join the station this autumn.’
The Daily Mail has contacted Zoe’s representatives and Greatest Hits for comment.
Last month, Zoe explained why she was ‘happy’ she didn’t receive the award. Definitely Bride hosts dance, ‘doesn’t’ while joking Now I need to have a facelift.’
After revealing she screen tested with Josh, Zoe said she was glad she ‘didn’t have to get a facelift’ as she wouldn’t be acting in front of the camera.
He said: ‘I did a screen test with Josh and he’s hilarious. He will be very good. Emma is amazing and I love Johannes, so they’ll make it happen too.’
Zoe continued: Sun: ‘And I don’t need to get a facelift, so I’m pretty happy.’ Earlier this month, Zoe, who previously hosted Strictly spin-off series It Takes Two, announced she ‘didn’t get’ the job and was ‘working through the seven stages of grief and rejection’.
Zoe missed out on the coveted Strictly hosting role to trio Emma Willis (50), Josh Widdicombe (43) and Johannes Radebe (39).
Despite missing out on the job, Zoe said she was “thrilled” for those taking on the role and insisted the BBC made the “right decision”.
Speaking to Jo Whiley on the Dig It podcast, Zoe said: ‘I don’t get it but that’s okay.’
She continued: ‘Over the last few days I have gone through the seven stages of grief and rejection.
‘No, I don’t understand. But let me tell you this, if [it’s] I think whoever buys this, we are in good hands and our new landlords will be amazing. ‘I’m very excited for them and hopefully we can talk about them in more detail at a later date.’
After much speculation as to who would replace Tess and Claudia, it was announced on Tuesday that Emma, Josh and Johannes will have three home runs after 22 years of having a two-man home team, in a tradition-breaking decision from bosses.
Nine shortlisted stars were summoned to a top-secret location in London to compete in full dress rehearsals with the judging panel and live band.
BBC bosses forced stars to sign strict confidentiality agreements to keep the auditions secret and they hope to announce a decision soon.
Among those confirmed to appear in the callbacks were Rylan, Emma, Tom Allen and Alex Jones.
The Beeb recently gave a glimpse of what fans can expect from the 24th series of the hit show.
Dianne Buswell, 37, Nancy Xu, 34, Vito Coppola, 33, Julian Caillon, 30, Carlos Gu, 33, Lauren Oakley, 35, Amy Dowden, 35, Katya Jones, 36, Neil Jones, 44, Nikita Kuzmin, 28, Jowita Przystał, 31, Johannes Radebe, 39, 36-year-old Aljaž Škorjanec, Alexis Warr, 25, and Kai Widdrington, 30, will return to the dance floor this year.
