Television presenter Emma Willis confessed to a bout of pre-show jitters and a vivid 'stress dream' as she launched her brand new programme on BBC Radio 2 this past Saturday. The 49-year-old host is stepping into the coveted Saturday afternoon slot, taking over from radio stalwart Zoe Ball, 55, who departed the role after just seven months.
A Dream of Pressure and a Naughty Word
As she began her inaugural broadcast, Emma openly shared her sudden realisation of the responsibility. "The pressure has suddenly dawned on me," she told listeners. Contrasting her new permanent role with her previous work as a stand-in, she explained, "Usually I'm in here keeping seats warm and covering for people. Now, I've got my own show and I have to be here every week."
The night before her big debut, her anxiety manifested in a humorous yet telling dream. "I had a stress dream on a Sunday night about this very moment," she revealed. In the dream, her entire team was watching as she accidentally said a "really naughty word," causing a colleague to sink to the floor and declare, "It's over before it even began." That moment, she admitted, was still ringing in her ears as she went live.
Support from a 'Queen' and Finding Her Footing
Earlier in the week, while appearing on The One Show with Clara Amfo and Roman Kemp, Emma had already expressed her nervousness about following in the footsteps of a "radio legend." She described Zoe Ball as the "queen of Radio 2," a fact which added to her initial pressure. "Taking over her show... that would terrify me," she said, deciding to reframe the challenge as simply starting her own programme.
Her fears were somewhat allayed by a supportive message from Ball herself. Zoe had texted her, writing, 'It's going to be great, you're going to be fine,' a gesture Emma greatly appreciated. Despite her nerves, she expressed excitement about the two-hour, 1 pm to 3 pm Saturday slot, stating her desire to make the show "all about the listeners."
A New Chapter on Familiar Ground
The move marks a significant new chapter for Willis, who is best known for hosting ITV's The Voice and Love Is Blind UK. While she spent six years on Heart Radio with Stephen Mulhern, she is no stranger to the Radio 2 studios, having been a regular cover presenter since 2019 for hosts like Sara Cox and Claudia Winkleman.
When the BBC announced her appointment in December, both women shared warm words. Zoe Ball stated she was "over the moon for the fabulous Emma to take the reins," calling her "pure sunshine." Emma responded by saying it was a "real honour to follow in the huge footsteps Zoe leaves behind," someone she "admires and adores." She also joked about happily being "the filling to a Romesh and Rylan sandwich," referencing the presenters on either side of her new show.
