Zoe Ball's father, Johnny Ball, has revealed that he once caused upset with a remark about her career. Reminiscing about her life as a broadcaster, the 87-year-old confessed she didn't react favourably when he jokingly described her as an "autocue reader".

Speaking to The i Newspaper, he said: "Zoe is working well with her generation. I upset her once when I joked, 'Here's my daughter, Zoe, the autocue reader'. I never did that again. She wants to be respected as a broadcaster - and she is."

Johnny, renowned for presenting programmes such as Think of a Number, commended his daughter's innate talent, adding: "When I was a stand-up, it was all about turning your mind to get a comedy line in the moment, and Zoe's got that natural comedic ability too, almost as if she trained to be a comedian.

"Who would win a joke-off between Zoe and me? Me, really, because of the jokes, but Zoe would win with her witticisms. Occasionally, as a communicator, you need a line which is barbed and has a sting to it, and she's learned to do that brilliantly."

He continued that he had never officially provided Zoe or his other two children career guidance, though he wished they had sought his assistance more frequently. "They don't because they're forging their own way. It's a pity, but they're fine," he said.

Zoe is Johnny's most well-known child from his late ex-wife Julia Ball. With his second spouse, Diane, he has two sons, Nick and Dan.

Similar to her father, the 55-year-old ventured into children's programming during the early stages of her career, before progressing to more mainstream programmes and radio.

Her portfolio includes presenting Strictly: It Takes Two and the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show prior to joining BBC Radio 2.

She is presently among the leading candidates to assume hosting duties for Strictly Come Dancing, following the exits of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman last year.

Having already helmed the spin-off and participated as a contestant in 2005 with Ian Waite, numerous fans consider she would be the ideal selection.

Responding to the rumours, Zoe told The Sunday Times: "Obviously, there's a part of me that would love to do it. But I will still be watching, whoever hosts. This is the hilarious thing - it's all anyone talks to me about.

"At the moment, I am in mourning for Tess and Claud because I love those girls. I think everyone's name is being thrown into the mix."

She also conveyed her affection for the programme and her continuing friendship with Ian Waite. "It's so joyful, and it's live telly, which is another thing that people don't give the girls enough credit for. That show is a beast.

"Whoever gets to do it has a tough act to follow."