Radio veteran Zoe Ball, who left BBC Radio 2’s breakfast show last year, has secured a new slot on rival Greatest Hits Radio after narrowly missing the coveted Strictly Come Dancing hosting role.. The 55‑year‑old will join former colleagues Ken Bruce and Simon Mayo, while the BBC announced a trio of new hosts for the dance show in September.

Greatest Hits Radio’s Long‑Standing Interest in Zoe Ball

According to a source quoted by The Sun, Greatest Hits Radio has wanted Ball “for a while” and she decided to accept the offer once she learned the Strictly job had fallen through. the station, which competes directly with the BBC,is poised to add a familiar voice to its lineup as Ball is due to start this autumn. The move comes after Ball stepped away from her breakfast show to reassess her career path, a decision she has openly discussed on her Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley.

Emma, Josh and Johannes Take Over the Ballroom

The BBC’s new Strictly hosts—Emma Willis (50), Josh Widdicombe (43) and Johannes Radebe (39)—were announced on Tuesday, breaking a 22‑year tradition of a two‑person team. The trio will replace long‑time hosts Tess Daly (57) and Claudia Winkleman (54), who quit last year.. Ball praised the new lineup, saying she was “thrilled” for the trio and that the BBC had made the “right decision.”

Who Got the Strictly Gig and Who Didn’t?

Ball was among the finalists but ultimately did not win the hosting role. She revealed on her Dig It podcast that she had “worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection” over the past days . The BBC held a secretive selection process in London, with nine shortlisted stars—including Rylan, Tom Allen and Alex Jones—competing in full‑scale dress rehearsals before a judging panel and live band .

Open Question: What’s Next for Ball on the Commercial Station?

While Ball has confirmed her new position at Greatest Hits Radio, details about her exact time slot and programming remain undisclosed . fans will be watching to see how she balances her new role with her ongoing podcast work and whether she plans to return to television in the future.