Zoe Ball Strictly playing it cool

Dad Johnny tips his girl for top job but mum's the word for Zoe as she celebrates her kids' birthday month

- BY MARC BAKER

HOT favourite to host Strictly Come Dancing, the family money is already on Zoe Ball to take over.

Coming third on the show in 2005, then hosting spin-off It Takes Two from 2011 to 2021, makes her perfect for the job according to dad Johnny, who said: “She's in the mix.”

Zoe is remaining tight-lipped about her prospects but is happier to disclose the motherhood inside track - as she reveals her role at her kids' recent birthday parties.

Nelly turned 16 earlier this month, while Woody celebrated his 25th.

Speaking about her daughter's bash, Zoe says: “I was allowed to pop in to the 'prinks' - the pre-drinks. “Nell deemed me important enough.”

Quite glad not to stay for the whole do, she says she could “feel Nell's nerves”.

She adds: “She had a sign which read, 'Holy s***... you're 16,” laughs Zoe, confessing: “I was sent updates, because my friends were all hiding upstairs. And then Woody arrived and he had to hide upstairs.”