After six years, Zoe Ball has announced that she will leave BBC Radio 2’s breakfast show, with her last show airing on December 20. The 53 year old popular presenter, not long back from the death of her mother from cancer, is leaving because she says she wants to put her family first.
While exiting the early morning slot, Ball reassured fans that she would continue to be part of the Radio 2 team but her new role would be announced in the new year. She described her time on the breakfast show as a privilege, reflecting on shared moments with listeners through life’s ups and downs, including the testing period of lockdown.
Scott Mills, long-time colleague and friend, will present the breakfast show. Mills praised Ball’s massive contributions over the years and said he looked forward to continuing the legacy she has built.
With an illustrious career which has seen her become the first woman to host both the BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 breakfast shows, Zoë Ball also co-presented the popular Live & Kicking program in the 1990s and is the daughter of children’s TV presenter Johnny Ball.
She plans to spend quality time with her children, Woody and Nelly, away from the early mornings, and also be open to new opportunities in Radio 2. Her final show promises to be full of celebration and fun days just before Christmas.