It Takes Two host Zoe Ball has stepped down from the popular Strictly Come Dancing spin-off series.
The presenter announced her decision to leave the show on Monday, telling fans: “I will miss you all immensely.”
Zoe, 50, joined the much-loved series back in 2011.
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Strictly It Takes Two: What did Zoe Ball say?
Taking to Instagram last night, Zoe broke the news to Strictly fans.
She accompanied her message with a series of photos during her ten-year run.
Zoe captioned the post: “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.
“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.”
Furthermore, she added: “Huge love & grateful thanks to Tess & Claude & the whole Strictly clan, the ITT fans, my Glam Squad, Eve Winstanley, Alex McLeod, the BBC2 gang, & of course the best telly crew ever. I will miss you all immensely. As Iveta would say ‘Friends for the life.'”
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Meanwhile, on Tuesday’s edition of her Radio 2 breakfast show, Zoe opened up about why she left.
She said: “Can I just say thank you for all your lovely messages about It Takes Two.
“You’ve been so gorgeous and I had to say it was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, walking away from it.”
She added: “I love that show, you know how obsessed I am with Strictly. But after 10 years, sometimes you’ve got to give yourself some new challenges.”
However, her fellow Strictly stars were heartbroken over the news.
Stacey Dooley shared: “MY GOD. A LEGEND IS LEAVING THE BUILDING. The kindest woman in tele. We love you Zoe.”
Oti Mabuse added: “We are going to miss you so much! You’ve always been a deep part of the family. Looking forward to hearing you on the radio.”
‘You sparkled for 10 wonderful years’
In addition, Ruth Langsford said: “Nooooo! Will miss watching you so much… and being on with you both as a guest and an actual CONTESTANT!! You sparkled for 10 wonderful years and you will be missed!”
Kimberley Walsh commented: “Ah this is sad news you will be missed so much! Sending huge love to you.”
Meanwhile, Strictly host Tess Daly wrote: “Oh nooo… We will miss you SO so much! Loved every minute watching you on the show; laughing along with you and watching you get teary-eyed every now and then.
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“Your gorgeous big heart was bursting for them. You are just BRILLIANT.”
Meanwhile, a fan said: “Sad news indeed.”
Another wrote: “What??????? Nooooooooooo, I will really miss you.”
A third added: “Oh that’s a shame but you’ve done a grand job!”
In recent years, Zoe has presented alongside co-host Rylan Clark-Neal.
Following the shock announcement, Ian Waite soon followed in her footsteps.
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