Zoe Ball is stepping down as the presenter of BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show in December after six years, marking the end of an era for the popular morning program. Ball announced her departure, citing a desire to focus on her family and step away from early morning commitments.
Her last show will air on Friday, December 20th, which she described as a final opportunity for “fun and shenanigans” with her listeners. Despite leaving the Breakfast Show, Ball will remain part of the Radio 2 family, with further details about her future role to be announced in the new year.
Scott Mills, a long-time friend and radio colleague, will take over the Breakfast Show. Mills and Ball have a history together, having worked together on Radio 1 and Radio 2 for over 25 years. Ball expressed excitement about Mills taking the reins, praising his skills as a producer and radio presenter.
The leadership changes extend beyond the Breakfast Show. Trevor Nelson will replace Mills in the afternoon slot from January, promising to bring “a bit of soul” to his new show. Additionally, DJ Spoony will expand his weekly show, The Good Grove, to four nights, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Kitchen Disco will be extended to two hours.
Ball’s radio career has been groundbreaking. She first joined BBC Radio in October 1997, co-hosting the Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Kevin Greening. From October 1998 to March 2000, she became the first woman to solo host the program.
Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, praised Ball’s contribution, highlighting her “warmth, wit, and joy” in presenting the show since January 2019. The latest industry figures underscore Ball’s success: her program is the most listened-to breakfast show in the UK, with 6.3 million listeners, and Radio 2 remains the most popular radio station with a weekly audience of 13.3 million.
Ball’s departure comes after recent recognition at the 2024 Audio and Radio Industry Awards, where she won bronze for the best music breakfast show, and Mills won gold for the best music entertainment show.
In her farewell message, Ball reflected on her journey, expressing gratitude to her listeners and colleagues. She admitted to looking forward to leaving behind the 4am alarm calls while emphasizing her deep affection for her audience and radio family.
The changes at Radio 2 represent a significant shift in the station’s lineup, with familiar voices moving into new roles and promising to bring their unique styles to their respective shows.
