Zoe Ball Confirms She Missed Out on Strictly Come Dancing Presenter Role

Zoe Ball has confirmed she will not present Strictly Come Dancing, despite taking part in the BBC's recent audition process.

The BBC plans to name replacements for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who left the dance show last year, in the coming weeks.

On the latest episode of her Dig It podcast, Ball told co-host Jo Whiley: "I didn't get it, but it's OK."

"I have worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection over the last couple of days," she said.

Ball is the first presenter rumored for the job to confirm publicly that she screen-tested with the BBC and is now out of contention.

"Obviously the papers have got wind of certain things, I don't think they've got the full story yet, and I don't think the BBC have confirmed everything as of yet," she said.

The podcast episode is due out later Tuesday. Ball added: "No, I didn't get it, but I tell you what, if it's who I think has got it, we're in safe hands and our new hosts are going to be fabulous. I'm so thrilled for them, and hopefully at a later date, we'll be able to talk about them in more detail."

Ball has a long BBC career, including Radio 1 and Radio 2 breakfast shows and Strictly spin-off It Takes Two.

She told Whiley: "I don't want to be the one to say the wrong thing, but 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," Ball said.

She continued: "It's going to be a highly scrutinised situation, and I think the new hosts will be so relieved when it's out there and everyone can just talk about the show, and who's going to be the celebrities this year, and then they can settle into that."

"My mum always used to say, 'what's for you will come your way'. And I'm really grateful that I got to do the show," she added.

Ball competed on Strictly in 2005, placing third with partner Ian Waite. "But also, I got 10 years on It Takes Two of having so much fun," she said. "And, you know, I'm a massive fan, so I will now be able to wear my PJs. I won't have to go to Turkey for the facelift Jo, which I'd bought the flights for. So you know, I'm saving myself some money, and I will be taking all my sequin garments from the cupboards to the local charity shop. But I just want to say thanks to the team for including me in the process in the first place. And what a relief for everybody that it is now done."

Her remarks follow months of speculation about the top TV roles. A shortlist this year reportedly included Rylan Clark, Alex Jones, Bradley Walsh and Rob Rinder.

Early names like Holly Willoughby, Alan Carr, Amanda Holden and Alison Hammond have reportedly pulled out.

The BBC narrowed the list after recent on-screen chemistry tests, newspapers say. Reports indicate former Big Brother and The Voice host Emma Willis will get one spot. She now does Ball's old Saturday afternoon slot on BBC Radio 2.

Comedian Josh Widdicombe and dancer Johannes Radebe remain in contention, per the Sun.

Ball wrapped up: "You just want to know what you're doing over the next few months, don't you? And I think that's been the thing for everybody. Everybody's been on slightly on hold, 'oh, you know, can I do that tour? Can I do that show? Can I also do this?' So I think everybody who's been through the process will be relieved now to know, and I think everyone's the same, everyone will be chuffed to have been included."