Zoe Ball has reportedly confirmed that she lost out on the Strictly Come Dancing hosting job, explaining that she “worked through the seven stages of grief” over the rejection.
All eyes have been on who will replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly after the pair announced their exit last year, with some of the biggest names in the UK linked to the BBC show.
The 55-year-old was widely tipped to take the job, having previously fronted Strictly spin-off series It Takes Two – however, she has reportedly revealed that she was not chosen for the role.
In the latest episode of her Dig It podcast, she is thought to have opened up about finding herself “in the mix” and returning to our screens.
View 3 ImagesZoe was tipped for the top job(Image: BBC)
“I didn’t get it, but it’s okay,” she said, via the Sun. “I have worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection over the last couple of days.
“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.”
View 3 ImagesTess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped back from Strictly Come Dancing last year(Image: PA)
While it is not clear who landed the top job, Zoe was one of a number of stars linked to the Saturday night staple, after Claudia and Tess stepped down. Rylan Clark, Amanda Holden, Alan Carr, Rob Rinder and Bradley Walsh were also linked.
Most recently, an insider tipped Emma Willis to take on hosting duties, following her efforts on Netflix’s Love Is Blind UK.
A source said: “Emma has been offered the Strictly job and is going to accept. She absolutely nailed the chemistry tests and the BBC adore her. Emma is a household name and a safe pair of hands so the BBC know she will do the job justice.
“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. Strictly is one of the biggest shows on television and to be trusted with the new era is something Emma feels incredibly proud and humbled by.”
They added to the Sun: “Emma is seen as the Tess of the duo. Her background in live – and occasionally tense – broadcasting situations means she can handle anything that is thrown at her.”
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The Mirror has approached the BBC for a comment.
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