Stand-in Strictly presenter Zoe Ball has ruled herself out of taking the job on full time.
The former Radio 1 DJ proved an immensely popular temporary replacement for regular Strictly host Claudia Winkleman after the latter took time out from the show when her daughter Matilda was taken to hospital in November last year.
(Joe Giddens/PA)
Zoe, herself a former contestant who hosts spin-off show It Takes Two, won acclaim from the show’s millions of fans when she stepped in at the last minute to present alongside Tess Daly.
But despite the praise, Zoe said she would not consider taking on the role permanently were it to become available.
Zoe Ball with her husband Norman Cook, the DJ and producer Fatboy Slim, last month (Andrew Matthews/PA)
Speaking at the Tesco Mum of the Year awards in London, Zoe said: “It was a strange time because obviously it was in the worst circumstances that I stood in for Claudia, but it turned out OK and everyone was very welcoming.
“It was great to be able to do that for a mate and say: ‘Don’t worry, I’ll be there.’
“It was great fun and it was wonderful to wear a big frock and Tess was so supportive.”
Regular Strictly presenters Claudia and Tess (Matt Crossick/EMPICS Entertainment)
“But I think It Takes Two is my home, and Tess and Clauds are the main hosts. But they know I am on call should they need me at any time,” she added.
“They (BBC bosses) are keeping it the same way, which is just the way it should be. They do such a great job the two of them together.
“I like being on It Takes Two, it reminds me of my Live & Kicking days. Anyway, I’m much more comfortable in trousers.”
