The presenter confirms her final show date as BBC bosses quietly line up the next era
Zoe Ball steps down from her Radio 2 programmeCredit: PA
Zoe Ball has confirmed she is stepping down from her BBC Radio 2 lunchtime show, with her departure coming into effect almost immediately following a top-secret Strictly Come Dancing chemistry test.
Zoe Ball steps down from BBC Radio 2 show and will be replaced by Emma Willis.Credit: instagram
Speaking live on air, the broadcaster revealed that her final broadcast will air on December 20, before announcing that Emma Willis will officially take over the popular Saturday lunchtime slot.
A Sudden Exit — But Not a Total Goodbye
G6WJEY MTV TRL Emma Griffiths Copyright: Alamy 7 Emma Willis will be taking the reins of the popular Saturday lunchtime showCredit: PA
After nearly two decades at Radio 2, Zoe explained that while she will be stepping away from her regular slot in the new year, she is not leaving the station entirely.
She confirmed she will return to host special programmes, including Christmas Crooners and a new eras show planned for early next year.
“I have loved being betwixt my dear friends Romesh and Rylan,” Zoe told listeners.
“I love you all to bits — but I’m not disappearing completely.”
The Strictly Connection 
Zoe first appeared on Radio 2 in 2006Credit: BBC
Zoe’s departure comes amid reports that BBC bosses have drawn up a ‘Golden Ten’ shortlist of presenters being considered to replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly on Strictly Come Dancing.
According to The Sun, Zoe was one of the ten stars put through their paces during a top-secret chemistry test, as executives searched for the perfect on-screen pairing.
The timing has fuelled speculation over whether her Radio 2 exit could be linked to future TV plans — though no official confirmation has been made.
Emma Willis Steps In
Zoe Ball on her podcast Dig It with Jo WhileyCredit: YouTube/Dig It with Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball
Zoe confirmed that Emma Willis will be taking over her slot, describing her replacement as a “super woman” and reassuring listeners they would be in “the safest of hands”.
Emma said she was thrilled to be joining Radio 2.
“I’m a huge fan of Radio 2, so I’m absolutely chuffed to be joining the family,” she said.
“It’s a real honour to follow in Zoe’s huge footsteps — she’s someone I admire and adore.”
She added with a smile:
“I’ll happily be the filling in a Romesh and Rylan sandwich!”
Zoe Ball leaving BBC Broadcasting House in central London, after presenting her last show on BBC Radio 2 breakfast showCredit: PA
Emma is no stranger to the airwaves, having previously hosted a show on the Heart network from 2012 to 2018, before appearing as a cover presenter on Radio 2 since 2019.
A Career Spanning Decades 
Emma Willis previously hosted Big Brother and The VoiceCredit: instagram
Zoe’s Radio 2 journey began in 2006, where she fronted specialist documentaries and stood in for major names including Dermot O’Leary and Ken Bruce.
She later took over Dermot’s Saturday afternoon slot, before stepping into Chris Evans’ shoes as host of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show in 2019 — a role she held for six years.
Zoe originally rose to fame nearly 30 years ago as co-host of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, before becoming the first woman to host the slot solo, a ground-breaking moment in British radio history.
Personal Loss and Health Struggles
Zoe took on the Radio 2 lunchtime show just weeks after returning from a four-and-a-half-month break following the death of her mother, Julia, who passed away from cancer.
After her return, she also revealed she had been battling bursitis, a painful condition caused by inflammation of the joints.
During her hiatus, Zoe even worked shifts at the Big Beach Café in Hove alongside her ex-husband Norman ‘Fatboy Slim’ Cook, whom she married in 1999.
‘Get Those Feet Up’
Following the announcement, fellow BBC star Rylan Clark paid tribute to Zoe on social media, writing:
“Love you Zoe Ball the world. Get those feet up. And Emma Willis — the TV wife… now you’re my radio wife.”
As Zoe prepares to sign off from her lunchtime slot, questions remain about what her next chapter might hold — and whether the Strictly rumours will soon turn into something more.
Source: DailyMail
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
