The BBC has issued a statement to announce Zoe Ball’s return to Radio 2. The 54-year-old left her position as a breakfast presenter in December to “start a new chapter”.
The broadcaster has confirmed she will return to host a weekly show from May and two specials including a BBC TV show celebrating Elaine Paige’s 60-year career in showbusiness. 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.”
Zoe announced her exit from the station just months after taking an extended break over the summer due to her mother’s death earlier in the year. During her absence, Scott Mills and Gabby Roslin stepped in, with Scott now set to take over the role permanently.
In an emotional on-air statement, Zoe shared her feelings about leaving: “Ok you lovely bunch, I have some news. After six years of fun times alongside you all on the Breakfast Show, I’ve decided it’s time to step away from the early alarm call and start a new chapter.
“You know I think the world of you all listeners, and it truly has been such a privilege to share the mornings with you, to go through life’s little ups and downs, we got through the lockdown together, didn’t we?
“We’ve shared a hell of a lot, the good times, the tough times, there’s been a lot of laughter.” Zoe’s son, Woody, provided an insight into her new life in an interview with Mail Online.
Zoe is married to legendary DJ Fatboy Slim and Woody revealed his famous parents have been enjoying a peaceful life, which has enjoyed working in a local cafe.
He said: “These crazy party people I grew up with are now gardening, making puzzles and working in the local café. ‘It’s very funny to see that transitional period, just as I’m kind of leaving the nest and now at the start of something big for me in music.’
DJ Fatboy Slim has owned the Big Beach Cafe in Hove, East Sussex since 2013. Woody opened up about his mother’s departure from BBC Radio 2, expressing his delight at having more time with her. “It’s lovely seeing my mum more, because obviously she’s had quite a weird schedule for the last few years.”
Zoe made history as the first woman to host the Radio 1 Breakfast Show in 1998, a position she held until 2000. Additionally, she co-presented the BBC’s Saturday morning children’s programme Live and Kicking with Jamie Theakston for three years, starting from 1996.