Zoe Ball to Depart BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, Scott Mills Named Successor
Zoe Ball has announced her departure from BBC Radio 2’s breakfast show after six years, with her final broadcast set for Friday, December 20.
The 53-year-old presenter cited her decision to leave as an opportunity to focus on her family following a challenging year, including the loss of her mother to cancer. While stepping away from the early morning schedule, Ball confirmed she would remain part of the Radio 2 team and hinted at more details about her role in the new year.
Reflecting on her time hosting the show, Ball expressed deep gratitude to her listeners. During her announcement, she said it had been a privilege to share mornings with her audience, navigating life’s highs and lows together, especially during the lockdown.
She fondly acknowledged the laughter, support, and connection built over the years, emphasizing how much she would miss her “radio family.”
Scott Mills will succeed Ball as the new host of the breakfast show. Mills, who has been a longtime friend of Ball and a Radio 2 colleague, expressed excitement and admiration for her work.
He praised her achievements and described her as a trailblazer who has left an indelible mark on the show. Ball, in turn, congratulated Mills, expressing confidence in his ability to carry forward the program’s legacy.
In his words:
“Zoe and I have been such good friends now for over 25 years and have spent much of that time as part of the same radio family here at Radio 2 and also on Radio 1,
“She’s done an incredible job on this show over the past six years, and I am beyond excited to be handed the baton.“
Ball has had a historic career in broadcasting, becoming the first female host of the BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 breakfast shows. She took over the Radio 2 breakfast slot in January 2019, following Chris Evans’ departure.
Before her stint in radio, Ball was a prominent television presenter, co-hosting Live & Kicking in the late 1990s and earning acclaim for her energetic and relatable on-screen presence.
Throughout her tenure on the breakfast show, Ball became known for her warmth, wit, and engaging style. Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, praised Ball for her dedication, describing her as a beacon of joy for listeners.
Ball’s decision to step back from the role has been met with understanding and support, with Thomas confirming that she will remain an important part of the Radio 2 team in a yet-to-be-revealed capacity.
Outside her career, Ball has embraced motherhood, raising her two children, Woody and Nelly, with her ex-husband, musician Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim). In her announcement, she expressed excitement about spending more time with her children and enjoying simpler moments, like listening to the radio on the school run.
Her final show promises to be a festive celebration filled with fun and nostalgia as she bids farewell to the morning slot.
Scott Mills brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having joined BBC Radio 1 in 1998 and later transitioning to Radio 2 in 2022, where he replaced Steve Wright. Mills has established himself as a dynamic and versatile presenter, making him a fitting successor to Ball.
His appointment is seen as a continuation of Radio 2’s commitment to delivering high-quality programming to its audience.
Zoe Ball’s departure marks the end of a vibrant chapter in Radio 2’s history. Her tenure as breakfast show host has been characterized by an infectious energy that resonated with millions of listeners. As she embarks on a new phase in her life and career, her legacy remains intact, and her future contributions to Radio 2 are highly anticipated.
