The race to become the next host of Strictly Come Dancing is said to be narrowing, with insiders claiming only one woman will land the coveted role.
According to sources, Zoe Ball and Emma Willis are the two names still firmly in contention as BBC bosses finalise plans for the show’s future.
Executives are believed to have decided to keep an all-female presenting team following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, despite reported interest from male stars such as Alan Carr and Bradley Walsh.
A series of high-profile names such as Alan Carr, Angela Scanlon, and Bradley Walsh have all been in contention for the roles, but sources think the race has now narrowed.
A source told The Sun: ‘It’s a straight shoot-out between Zoe, who is the front-runner, and Emma. Only one will get it, not both. The senior execs want a traditional presenter working alongside a more left-field person, a female stand-up comedian.
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‘It’s felt the humour Claudia brought to the show, particularly in her Claudatorium, needs to carry on.’
Zoe, 55, announced she was quitting her BBC Radio 2 show show in December, a move that fuelled speculation she was clearing her schedule for a major television role.
She is no stranger to the Strictly universe, having previously hosted spin-off show It Takes Two as well as fronting the live tour, giving her a deep familiarity with the format and its audience.
Speaking to The Times, Zoe revealed that the Strictly job is ‘all anyone talks to me about.’
She added: ‘At the moment I am in mourning for Tess and Claud because I love those girls. I think everyone’s name is being thrown into the mix.
Describing the show as a ‘beast,’ she continued: ‘Obviously, there’s part of me that would love to do it. But I will still be watching, whoever hosts it.’
Emma, 49, is also viewed as a safe pair of hands for live television, thanks to years of experience leading Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother during their Channel 5 era.
Insiders say her calm authority and ease under pressure have not gone unnoticed by decision-makers.
While no official announcement has been made by the BBC, the belief within the industry is that a final decision is imminent. For now, both presenters remain in the frame, but sources insist the job will only go to one of them.
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