Radio star Zoe Ball is set to return to BBC Radio 2 tomorrow just five months after her sudden exit from her breakfast show when she was replaced by Scott Mills
Zoe Ball is returning to the radio(Image: PA)
Zoe Ball is making a comeback to the BBC just five months after she quit her BBC Radio 2 morning show. The DJ left her much loved breakfast show last year, with her pal Scott Mills taking over.
She had ran her show for six years, but insisted it was time to “start a new chapter”. Her decision came just months after her extended absence from the BBC during the summer following her mother’s death. After bursting into tears on her last show, Zoe is now making a comeback with a brand-new programme on BBC Radio 2. She is set to return to the airwaves at 1pm tomorrow.
Zoe left her show in December(Image: PA)
The BBC have teased on their website that it will feature “the best songs and chat for a Saturday”. Zoe will be playing some of her favourite hits which she has promised to showcase her having “lots of laughs” as well as striking up a bond with her listeners.
Announcing the news in February, Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said: “Zoe is one of the UK’s most loved presenters, so I’m thrilled to announce that she has a new home on Radio 2 on Saturday lunchtimes, plus she’ll be hosting various specials for us throughout the year.”
Just days later, Zoe will return again to host a special VE Day concert on Monday 8. The live concert, called VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember, will see artists including Samantha Barks, Fleur East, John Newman, Victor Ray, Freya Ridings and Keala Settle perform.
Zoe said of her new gig: “I’m truly honoured to play a small role in the celebrations of such a momentous occasion. My dear Dad Johnny Ball was 6 years old on VE Day, his memories of that time are incredible.
“Our great grandparents, and grandparents, our families, our nation went through so much. The bravery and sacrifices of so many for our freedom, we must always remember and this will be a very special night with some magnificent performances.”
When she was last on air in December, Zoe was bidding farewell to her breakfast Radio 2 show. She revealed that the whole team were back together for her final farewell but admitted: “We’ve had some tears already.
“We don’t quite know what to do with ourselves this morning, do we? I’ve come in and I suddenly can’t remember how to press the button.”
Zoe continued: “We’re all pretending we’re going to be OK, that the emotion isn’t getting to us – but it’s definitely getting to us. So hold tight! But Richie, so many nice comments yesterday – made me blub my eyes out!”
She added: “I’ve already had a little cry on Patrick! But we’re going to have lots of fun today. We’re playing some of my favourite records today – both Christmassy and non-Christmassy ones and we’ll get through as many messages from the listeners as we can.”
Zoe made history in 2019 when she became the first woman to host the prestigious BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, taking over from broadcasting legend Chris Evans.
