Zoe Ball has landed a major new job at BBC Radio 2's biggest commercial rival, Greatest Hits Radio, where she will host the weekday afternoon show starting September 7. The move marks her return to daily broadcasting after stepping down from the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show in 2024 and later leaving her Saturday afternoon programme.
Joining Former Colleagues
Ball takes over from Kate Thornton, joining former Radio 2 colleagues Ken Bruce and Simon Mayo in the schedule. Greatest Hits Radio announced her arrival with a tongue-in-cheek Traitors-inspired trailer, captioned: “One more from the old place! Please welcome our newest recruit.” In the clip, Ball enters the studio carrying a lantern before lowering her hood and telling Bruce and Mayo: “I couldn't let you two have all the fun, could I?” She then makes a Traitors-style pledge to play only music from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s – and to keep Ken Bruce's popular PopMaster quiz on air every day.
Return to Daily Broadcasting
Announcing the news, Ball said: “I've missed it and this felt like the right time to begin a new chapter with Greatest Hits Radio.” The appointment comes months after Ball revealed she had been left dealing with “grief and rejection” after missing out on the chance to host Strictly Come Dancing.
