BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball was all smiles as she arrived at the broadcaster's London studios to record her final Saturday lunchtime show. The 55-year-old DJ announced her surprise departure live on air just last weekend, stepping down from the weekly slot after only seven months.
A New Chapter for Radio 2's Schedule
Zoe Ball confirmed that her show on Saturday would be her last in the regular slot, but she reassured listeners she would "not disappear completely". She is scheduled to return to host special programmes for the station. Her replacement will be television presenter Emma Willis, a move Ball enthusiastically endorsed on air.
Revealing the news to her audience, Zoe said: "I have loved being betwixt my dear friends Romesh and Rylan, and you know, I love you all to bits. I'm thrilled to tell you that you will be in the safest of hands." She described Willis as a "super woman" and "pure sunshine" who would bring joy to Saturday afternoons.
Farewell Fashion and Future Projects
For her final recording day, Zoe Ball cut a stylish figure in a brown tweed blazer paired with dark denim roll-up jeans, a black sweater, and sunglasses. She was seen sipping a smoothie from Joe & The Juice and carrying several full Waitrose bags as she paused to take selfies and sign autographs for fans outside the studio.
The BBC later used Instagram to confirm the presenter change and to promote Ball's upcoming projects. The station stated: "Zoe will continue to host specials on the station and her first new project is a new series of the award-winning Eras podcast for Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, focusing on the life and legendary career of Phil Collins." She is also set to present a Christmas Crooners special and an Eras show in the New Year.
Focus on Home and Family
Speaking to the Daily Mail earlier in the week from her home in Hove, East Sussex, Zoe Ball explained her decision as "just stepping back". This move follows her departure from Radio 2's flagship Breakfast Show in November last year, which she left after six years to focus on her family.
Her relocation to the £2 million seaside property in Hove has been a significant project. The five-bedroom house, which was converted from flats, has undergone a major renovation to inject "character, colour & warmth" into its previously grey and white interiors. The move also brought her closer to her ex-husband, DJ Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim), with whom she remains close friends and co-parents.
Emma Willis, the new host taking over the Saturday lunchtime slot, expressed her excitement: "I'm absolutely chuffed to be joining the Radio 2 family. It's a real honour to follow in the huge footsteps Zoe leaves behind." She humorously added that she looked forward to being "the filling to a Romesh and Rylan sandwich".
