Why Zoe QUIT STRICTLY

As she steps down from a dream job, Woman looks at the reasons behind Zoe Ball’s sudden departure from Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two

- KAREN EDWARDS

Zoe Ball’s sudden exit from Strictly Come Dancing spin-off It Takes Two came as a shock to many, not least the star’s co-hosts. When the shake-up – which also saw former Strictly pro dancer Ian Waite walk away – was announced, Claudia Winkleman commented, ‘WHAT? We love you so much. Never missed a show. You’re the greatest. Am calling tomorrow the second you’re off air.’

‘YOU JUST HAVE TO BE YOU’

Zoe, 50, has never hidden her love for Strictly and, discussing her departure on her BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, she said, ‘You know how obsessed I am with it. But sometimes you’ve got to give yourself some new challenges.’

Some fans have speculated, however, that something simply had to give, and that the pressure of her radio show and a primetime TV presenting slot, along with everything she’s been dealing with in her personal life, became too much for Zoe.

One wrote on social media, ‘It’s a heck of a commitment juggling the breakfast show and that and life! You’ll be missed.’ Another said, ‘I totally get it. I’ll miss watching you but love your breakfast show. Keep being happy.’