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

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.

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.

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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