Zoe Ball makes announcement about Strictly and who will take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman

Blackpool-born Radio presenter Zoe Ball has made a huge announcement over rumoured links she might be taking over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as one of the hosts of the hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing.

Speaking on her Dig It podcast to co host Jo Whiley, the former Radio One presenter confirmed she will not be one of the new presenters of Strictly, following an audition process.

Zoe, 55, said: "Well I can tell you that I didn’t get it, but it is OK Jo, I have worked through the seven stages of grief/ rejection over the last couple of days.”

Jo replied: “Boo.”

The mum-of-two is the first presenter who had been linked with the role to publicly confirm she had taken part in the recent screen tests and is now out of the running.

In the latest episode of her podcast, the presenter said: "No, I didn't get it, but I tell you what, if who I think has got it, obviously the papers seem to have got wind of certain things, we’re in safe hands.

“So I will now be able to wear my PJs. I won’t have to go to Turkey for the facelift, Jo.

“I might carry on with getting the teeth done but I’m definitely not going to get the face done now. I’ll saving myself some money.

“I will be taking all my sequin garments to the local charity shops, so if anyone needs some sequins they are coming your way.”

Zoe who used to me married to legendary DJ Fatboy Slim, has had a long career at the BBC, with roles presenting the Radio 1 and Radio 2 breakfast shows, as well as Strictly's own spin-off It Takes Two.

Discussing the Strictly presenting roles, she told Whiley: "I don't want to be the one to say the wrong thing, but I was so chuffed to even be in the mix. 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. And I'm so thrilled for the gang that has got it.

"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."

The Voice presenter Emma Willis, who recently took over Zoe's weekend show on Radio 2, is said to have been offered one of the Strictly roles.

Strictly Come Dancing has a long connection with Blackpool. Every year the stars of the show descend on the resort as they film live at Blackpool’ iconic Tower Ballroom.

Zoe said: "It's going to be a highly scrutinised situation, and I think the new hosts will be so relieved when it's out there and everyone can just talk about the show, and who's going to be the celebrities this year, and then they can settle into that."

She added: "My mum always used to say, 'what's for you will come your way'. And I'm really grateful that I got to do the show."

Zoe was a contestant on Strictly herself in 2005, finishing in third place with her partner Ian Waite.

"But also, I got 10 years on It Takes Two of having so much fun," the mum-of-two said. "And, you know, I'm a massive fan, so I will now be able to wear my PJs.”

"But I just want to say thanks to the team for including me in the process in the first place. And what a relief for everybody that it is now done."

Zoe’s honest and frank admission comes after months of speculation over who will take over two of the top jobs in TV.

Rylan Clark, Alex Jones, Bradley Walsh and Rob Rinder have all been linked with the rumoured shortlist.

Other names linked with the role early on included Holly Willoughby, Alan Carr, Amanda Holden and Alison Hammond, although they have all since reportedly ruled themselves out.

The shortlist has now reportedly been whittled down by a series of on-screen chemistry tests in recent weeks.

Comedian Josh Widdecombe and pro dancer Johannes Radebe are also still in the frame, according to some national newspapers.

Zoe said: "You just want to know what you're doing over the next few months, don't you? And I think that's been the thing for everybody [the other possible presenters].

"Everybody's been slightly on hold, 'oh, you know, can I do that tour? Can I do that show? Can I also do this?'

"So I think everybody who's been through the process will be relieved now to know, and I think everyone's the same, everyone will be chuffed to have been included.

"But we are in safe hands. If what I have figured out with my Jessica Fletcher investigations, we are in safe hands, and the show is gonna be brilliant."

A BBC spokesman said: "Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course."