Zoe Ball bids emotional farewell to BBC Radio as Strictly rumours swirl

Zoe Ball has signed off from BBC Radio 2 with an emotional farewell, as speculation continues to swirl that she could be in line for one of the broadcaster’s biggest jobs. The presenter bowed out from her Saturday afternoon radio show today, marking her final appearance on the station after confirming earlier this month that she would be stepping away. The timing of her exit has only fuelled rumours she could be heading for a new on-screen role at the BBC.

Zoe, 55, had already stepped down from Radio 2’s breakfast show late last year, with Scott Mills taking over, before later announcing she would also be leaving her 1pm to 3pm Saturday slot. Her final programme featured a string of high-profile guests, including Ricky Gervais, Joel Dommett and Angela Hartnett, as she reflected on her time behind the mic. Signing off, Zoe told listeners: “It's just time for me to say thank you so much for listening on Saturday afternoons. Don't forget to look after the gorgeous Emma Willis when she joins you in the New Year.”

She later added a final festive message, saying: “Merry Christmas, love ya!” Earlier in the show, Zoe suggested she would not be disappearing completely.

Speaking to Romesh Ranganathan, she said: “It’s my last Saturday show… I’m feeling like everybody else is feeling at this time of year… a bit like what that Madness record sounded!”

She went on to reassure fans: “I’m going to miss seeing you, but don’t worry I won’t be a stranger, I’ll come and find you.”

Romesh then addressed the growing rumours around Zoe’s future, teasing her about the speculation.

He said: “With this being your last show, there’s been a lot of rumours, various whisperings from colleagues, people are asking me to ask you this, and I just want to put this rumour to be. Is it true you’re leaving your Saturday show because of… Sally Traffic.”

Zoe laughed off the suggestion, replying: “Let’s put that down now, Sally and I have been in love with each other for a long time, and we just decided we can’t possibly work in the same building anymore because the magnetism is too huge.

"I love that woman to bits.” Her exit from Radio 2 comes as rumours persist that she could replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly on Strictly Come Dancing.

The presenting duo announced weeks ago that the current series, which concludes with tonight’s final, will be their last.

In a joint statement at the time, Tess and Claudia said hosting the show had been “an absolute dream” but that it “feels like the right time” to step away.

Tess, who holds a Guinness World Record as the longest-serving host of the same dance competition TV show, has been with Strictly since its launch alongside Sir Bruce Forsyth. Claudia joined her as co-host in 2014.

Since their announcement, several names have been linked to the role, including Rylan Clark, Holly Willoughby, Janette Manrara, Fleur East and Zoe Ball.

The Strictly Come Dancing final airs from 7pm tonight (December 20) on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.