Zoe Ball is reportedly on the verge of joining Greatest Hits Radio, just days after being overlooked for a presenting role on the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The 55-year-old former BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show host was among the contenders for the high-profile BBC show, but was passed over in favour of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe. Now, according to a source close to the broadcaster, Ball has decided to take her talents to a commercial rival. "Greatest Hits have wanted her for a while, and as soon as Zoe found out about the Strictly job, she decided to take it," the source told The Sun. "She absolutely loves being a radio presenter, and after stepping away from her BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show a year ago, she took time to think about what she wanted."
Ball is said to be joining the station this autumn, following in the footsteps of other former BBC Radio hosts such as Simon Mayo and Ken Bruce. The move marks a significant shift for the broadcaster, who made history as the first female host of both the Radio 1 and Radio 2 breakfast shows. Speaking on the podcast Dig It!, Ball described her reaction to being overlooked for Strictly. "I was so chuffed to even be in the mix," she said. "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."
“Zoe Ball to join Greatest Hits Radio this autumn after being snubbed for Strictly Come Dancing presenting role.”
Despite her disappointment, Ball was gracious about the outcome, saying: "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." Joking about her emotional journey, she added: "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." The news comes as the BBC announced its new Strictly presenting line-up, which also includes comedian Johannes Radebe. For Ball, the autumn move to Greatest Hits Radio signals a new chapter – one that sees her return to her first love of radio, but on a commercial stage.