Zoe Ball is returning to daily radio with a new afternoon show on Greatest Hits Radio, following confirmation that she will not be hosting the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
New Show Details
The 55-year-old broadcaster will present Zoe Ball in the Afternoon weekdays from 1pm to 4pm, starting Monday, September 7th. The show will air after Ken Bruce's mid-morning programme and before Simon Mayo's Drivetime slot.
Ball's new role marks her first daily radio show since leaving the Radio 2 Breakfast Show in 2022. The programme will feature celebrity guests, listener interactions, and regular segments including Something for the Weekend every Friday.
Ball's Statement
"There's something truly special about radio – the relationship you build with listeners, the energy, the music and the moments of joy and laughter you share together," Ball said. "I've missed it and this felt like the right time to begin a new chapter with Greatest Hits Radio."
She added: "As a station, Greatest Hits Radio has built something really brilliant – epic music, big personalities and a genuine connection with listeners. I'm excited to be joining the team and getting started."
Industry Reaction
Gary Stein, Director of Audio for Bauer Media Audio UK, praised Ball as "one of the UK's most talented and best-loved broadcasters" with "an extraordinary ability to connect with audiences."
Greatest Hits Radio Content Director Andy Ashton said: "I could not be more thrilled to welcome Zoe to the Greatest Hits Radio family. The whole team are buzzing that another world class broadcaster will be part of our daytime line-up every weekday."
Strictly Snub
The announcement comes after Ball was not selected as a new host for Strictly Come Dancing, which will replace long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Ball had publicly confirmed she participated in screen tests for the role.
"I didn't get it, but it's OK. I have worked through the seven stages of grief and rejection over the last couple of days," she said at the time. "If who I think has got it, we're in safe hands and our new hosts are going to be fabulous."
The BBC has since announced that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe will host the dance competition as a trio – a first in the show's 22-year history.
Continued Projects
Alongside her new radio show, Ball will continue co-hosting the chart-topping Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley.
