Zoe Ball Is ‘Waltzing Away’ From Strictly Spin-Off It Takes Two

She had presented the show since 2011 after replacing Claudia Winkleman.

Zoe Ball has announced she is leaving Strictly Come Dancing spin-off It Takes Two.

The TV presenter, 50, has fronted the BBC Two show for a decade but said she will be watching the next series from her sofa.

Her It Takes Two co-star, Ian Waite, also announced his departure.

In an Instagram post, Ball said: “Dance lovers, after 10 joyous years I am waltzing away from It Takes Two.

“As a massive @bbcstrictly fan I have loved spending my Autumn teatimes with the celebrity dancers, the gorgeous & awesome pro dancers, the judges, my girl Vicky Gill, Rylan, Gethin & of course my main man Ian Waite.

“Time now for some new cha cha challenges. I will continue to support the Strictly family on the Breakfast Show & can’t wait to watch the Class Of 2021 from my sofa.”

Ball, who replaced Claudia Winkleman in 2011, thanked those who work on Strictly and It Takes Two, adding: “I will miss you all immensely. As Iveta would say ‘Friends for the life’ xx.”

Waite had been Ball’s professional partner when she was a contestant on Strictly in 2005.

Announcing he was leaving It Takes Two, he said he was taking time to focus on his dance fitness brand.

Waite added: “This journey would not have been possible without the one and only Zoe Ball who has been the most loyal, loving, caring friend one could wish to have. I will miss you the most but know that we will still see each other a lot in the future.”

Their departures come after Rylan Clark-Neal joined the It Takes Two hosting line-up last year.

Strictly stars were among those to congratulate Ball on her time presenting It Takes Two.

Good Morning Britain newsreader Charlotte Hawkins appeared in the 15th series of Strictly and said: “Oh it won’t be the same without you!!”

Joe Sugg, a finalist in series 16, commented: “Ah Zoe! You will be missed! You were a delight to work with and made my strictly experience that extra bit special thank you x.”

And Strictly professional Janette Manrara said: “Oh @zoetheball!! I looked forward to our chats on that couch more then any other part of the week! You really are a diamond of a human being and deserve all of the wonderful things that are coming your way! Although you’ll be missed, it’s not ‘goodbye’, it’s more of a ‘see ya around’! Love you!”