Zoe Ball has confirmed she will not be stepping into the presenting role on Strictly Come Dancing, revealing the BBC's decision left her processing feelings of "grief and rejection."
The 55-year-old broadcaster, who previously fronted the spin-off programme It Takes Two, addressed her unsuccessful bid on the new episode of the Dig It podcast alongside Jo Whiley.
"I didn't get it, but it's OK," Ms Ball said. "I have worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection over the last couple of days."
The Radio 2 favourite had been widely considered a frontrunner for the position following the departure of long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Zoe Ball has shared that she hasn't landed the role of Strictly host
| BBCMs Ball underwent chemistry tests with other candidates as part of the selection process for the coveted Saturday night role.
Despite missing out on the role, the presenter expressed appreciation for making it through to the final stages of consideration.
"I was so chuffed to even be in the mix," she explained. "There were some pretty amazing people who didn't even make it into the mix."
The television personality reflected positively on her experience during the audition process, describing it as "one last little play at a show that I love and adore."
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly filmed their final BBC Strictly episode last year | BBCReports suggest Ms Ball was not alone in her disappointment, with sources indicating that several candidates were left emotional upon learning they had been unsuccessful.
According to The Sun, one "big star" was reportedly left "sobbing" after receiving the news.
Rylan Clark, Angela Scanlon and Alex Jones are also understood to be out of contention for the presenting positions.
Ms Ball spoke warmly about whoever has secured the presenting duties, expressing confidence in the BBC's choice.
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Zoe Ball admitted she underwent 'grief' following the BBC Strictly 'rejection'
| GETTY"If who I think has got it, we're in safe hands and our new hosts are going to be fabulous," she remarked, adding: "I'm so thrilled for the gang that has got it."
The broadcaster added that she hoped to discuss the new presenters "in more detail" at a later stage.
According to reports, Emma Willis has been offered one of the hosting positions. However, the BBC has not confirmed the rumour.
Sources told The Sun that the former Big Brother presenter "absolutely nailed the chemistry tests" and is considered "a safe pair of hands" by BBC executives.
Emma Willis is believed to be one of the new Strictly Come Dancing hosts | GETTYMs Ball acknowledged that the extensive public interest in the selection process had created pressure for all involved.
"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," she said.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their joint departure from the programme in October 2025.
The pair had presented together for more than a decade, with Ms Daly having been part of the show since its inception alongside the late Bruce Forsyth.
Upon leaving, Winkleman described hosting the programme as "our absolute privilege."
The BBC has stated that "further plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026, including the new hosts" will be "confirmed in due course."
The returning judging panel features Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and head judge Shirley Ballas.