Rumoured as a favourite to host Strictly, the family money is already on Zoe Ball says dad Johnny. But could the presenter – who has just left her radio show on BBC Radio 2 – be about to return to our TV screens?
She’s stepped down from hosting her BBC Radio 2 Saturday show and is being replaced on the airwaves by Emma Willis, could 2026 be the year when Zoe Ball returns to telly?
Coming third as a Strictly contestant in 2005, she then hosted the spin-off show It Takes Two from 2011 until 2021, giving her the perfect pedigree for the job according to dad Johnny, who confirmed: “She’s in the mix.”
Remaining tight-lipped about her prospects, Zoe is happier to disclose her inside track on motherhood – as she reveals her role at her kids’ recent birthday parties.
Nelly turned 16, while Woody turned 25 earlier this month. And, deemed “cool enough” to go along early to Nell’s 16th drinks, she says: “I was allowed to pop in to the ‘prinks’ – the pre drinks. Nell deemed me important enough.”
Quite glad not to stay for the whole do, she says she could “feel Nell’s nerves.” After checking everything was in place, she left, safe in the knowledge that she would be kept informed of any mishaps.
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“She had a sign which read ‘holy sh*t…you’re 16,’” laughs Zoe, confessing: “I was sent updates, because my friends were all hiding upstairs. And then Woody arrived and he had to hide upstairs.” As well as Nell’s dad, Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim) taking a turn as DJ, Zoe says: “Her boyfriend, Jacoby DJ-ed and Nell even played some tunes as well. It all wrapped up at 11.30pm and no one threw up. Hoorah!”
Zoe does say Woody was worse for wear, as he went clubbing afterwards. “The energy of that boy!” she remarks. “He came in about 4.30am looking for antihistamines.” But Zoe decided against cramping his style at his 25th. “He had a party where they’re all wearing suits and they’re going old school,” she says. “I was invited. I was like, ‘No son, you go and enjoy yourself.’”
Now 55, age is clearly preying on Zoe’s mind, as she opens up on the Dig It podcast, which she hosts with Jo Whiley. Speaking about her changing body at the menopause, Zoe, who earlier this month stepped down from her BBC Radio 2 Saturday show, says: I think your shape changes slightly as you get older.
“It’s sort of around the boobage area, around your shoulders. Okay, and your arms. You sort of think, ‘oh, have I really filled out?’ The good thing is we have our girls, and they are always happy to receive our offcuts!”
Private about her personal life after high-profile splits from Norman Cook and, more recently in 2023 from carpenter Michael Reed, she is awestruck by celebrity power couples. She cites Fleabag writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Oscar winning playright and director Martin McDonagh. She says of Waller-Bridge: “I saw her in the street with her fabulous partner, Martin McDonough. What a power couple they are, because he directed The Banshees of Inisherin.” Pausing, she adds: “Something about amazing power couples.”
In a contemplative mood, as the year ends and she looks ahead to 2026, Zoe reflects on friends who have had difficulties this year. “I know lots of my friends have had a really tough year this year. Lots of people worrying about money, people worrying about jobs,” she says. “I’m so grateful we’re all there for each other.”
And she wonders if she will ever develop the care free attitude rumoured to come with age – something she has been reading articles about. She ponders: “As you get older, do you become a bit more, f*ck it, do you stop worrying about things? I’ve been thinking about it. I don’t know if that’s true, because you might care less about some of the daft stuff that you used to worry about. But, actually, there’s loads of other stuff to worry about.”
Citing the fact “you never stop worrying about your kids” as an example, she adds: “I guess, as you come through menopause, I’m hoping there’s a bit the other side where you’re like, ‘ah, f*ck it. I don’t care.’ But there is always still so much to worry about. I’m looking forward to that f*ck it era. Will it come in my 80s?
“Life is a bit like Indiana Jones sometimes, isn’t it? Like when the massive ball is running down the hill, you’re like, ‘for f*ck’s sake’ just trying to deal with this.”
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