Zoe Ball became emotional as she recalled struggling to get through her Radio 2 shows due to crippling anxiety and panic attacks. The presenter opened up on her Dig It podcast, speaking to Jo Whiley and psychotherapist Owen O'Kane about her mental health challenges.
Struggling Through Shows
Ball described experiencing panic attacks that made it difficult to work. She said: 'For me personally, and I know everyone's thing is different, I've always been very laid back, I worry about the regular things. But I started to have panic attacks and I think it was from grief, because that's when it started for me.'
The broadcaster has faced significant loss, including the death of her partner Billy Yates in 2017 and her mother Julia Peckham, who died from pancreatic cancer in April 2024.
Perimenopause and Anxiety
Ball explained that perimenopause compounded her anxiety: 'And then along came perimenopause as well and then I started to have crippling anxiety to the point where I was struggling to work or get through a show. It's so... crippling is the word. I just didn't really know where to go with it, you go to the doctor and it was that feeling of when you're in it, not being able to get out of it.'
She shared that she has since found her way out of the anxiety, saying: 'Anyway, I've come out of it, I've learned a lot about it, I've had some brilliant help from some great people along the way.'
Emotional Response to Advice
Owen O'Kane's response led Ball to tears as he said anxiety is natural during life transitions. He stated: 'It's a transitional phase in life, things are happening, kids are leaving home, elderly parents. We are moving toward the latter stages of our lives, we are letting go of being younger, we are letting go of old experiences or letting go of relationships. We're letting go of people we've lost, it's never one thing so of course how could we not be anxious in these periods?'
Ball replied: 'Honestly, Owen, I have to say, I actually feel quite emotional listening to you today because I'm just thinking about all the situations and all the people I know who would be really helped by hearing you speak.'
Leaving the Breakfast Show
Ball left her Radio 2 breakfast show in 2025, with her final show airing at the end of the year. She previously revealed on her podcast that she took antidepressants towards the end of her time on radio. She said: 'And when I was doing the Breakfast Show, I had horrific anxiety. That was my worst sort of symptom and that involved panic attacks, not being able to breathe, a lot of tears, quite a low mood and it was quite frightening at times. Once I sussed out that was a major cause... because I did go on anti-depressants for a while for my anxiety, but I'm off those now and I'm really glad to be off those, but they did help for a little period of time.'
Before leaving, Ball was one of the BBC's highest-paid female presenters, earning an estimated £950,000. She now focuses on her podcast and family, including children Nelly, 16, and Woody, 25, and her new relationship with boyfriend Mathieu Weekes. In a recent episode, she discussed introducing a new partner to children, with Woody commenting: 'You're good at this Mum.' Ball replied: '@woody_cook love you Bear. you've been so patient with me ha.'
