Zoe Ball reflects on ‘tricky’ journey to sobriety nine years after quitting alcohol as she shares struggles with the ‘reaction’ from pals and loved ones

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Zoe Ball has opened up about the challenges she faced while getting sober, almost ten years after she stopped drinking.

The 55-year-old Radio 2 presenter has been honest about her difficulties with alcohol, and in 2020, she shared that she went to rehab to get help with her drinking.

Zoe, looking back on becoming sober, explained that dealing with the responses from some friends and family was surprisingly difficult. She said some of them kept trying to convince her to drink just one drink.

I was listening to the newest episode of her podcast, Dig It, and she and Jo Whiley were chatting about a listener who asked about taking on Dry January. It was a really interesting conversation!

Zoe explained that adjusting your social life a bit is the hardest part of cutting back on alcohol. Luckily, she thinks more and more people are choosing not to drink, which means there are plenty of non-alcoholic options available when you’re out.

Lots of people enjoy beer, and now there are also plenty of alcohol-free options like beer, wine, and even sparkling wines.

I realized that completely avoiding alcohol was better for my well-being than trying to drink non-alcoholic options. It simply felt like a more straightforward approach.

I noticed people around me, even my own family, would often pressure me to just have ‘one’ drink. It was similar to how you’d used to explain you were taking antibiotics as an excuse not to drink.

Zoe also mentioned that she had some friends who were very supportive of her decision to stop drinking.

Thinking back to the last New Year, she recalled waking up on New Year’s Day and feeling a sense of peaceful contentment, like she could finally relax and enjoy the moment without guilt.

Zoe has openly discussed her past difficulties with alcohol. She shared that she stopped being sober in 2014 after having been sober for six years, a journey she began on New Year’s Day in 2009, following a particularly wild party.

The mother of two shared that she struggled with alcohol for years, starting when she transitioned from presenting children’s TV to becoming the first woman to host Radio 1’s Breakfast Show. She finally stopped drinking completely in 2016 after several attempts to get sober.

She explained that it’s easy to make some progress, but then fall back into old habits. She added that it took her several tries to break that cycle.

Zoe shared on Desert Island Discs that she overcame her drinking problem with help from a rehab program. She was grateful for the opportunity, especially because it allowed her to connect with others who understood addiction.

Honestly, ever since she married Fatboy Slim back in ’99, she just became the ultimate party girl! It felt like she was always surrounded by other famous women who were just as wild and loved to let loose – it was amazing to watch, and it just cemented her status in my eyes. I was obsessed with every picture and story!

It’s strange, because my job requires me to be outgoing and talkative, but I’m naturally quite shy. However, I feel much more confident and sociable after having a drink.

Zoe revealed in December that she was leaving her BBC Radio 2 program after only seven months, and Emma Willis will be taking her place.

She announced she was leaving, saying she’s really enjoyed working with her close friends and co-hosts, Romesh Ranganathan and Rylan, and that she sends her love to everyone, but won’t be gone for good.

Next up, we’ve got Christmas Crooners, and I’m excited to announce I’ll be doing an Eras show in the New Year – I’ll share more details soon! I’m also delighted to say you’ll be in great hands, as a familiar face is officially joining the Radio 2 team.

Zoe shared that she’s really enjoyed hosting her Saturday lunch show on Radio 2, especially the fun she had with listeners, hearing their stories, and joking around with co-hosts Romesh and Rylan.

Zoe recently shared that she’s had a difficult year following the sad loss of her mother in April 2024.

Julia Peckham passed away following a fight with pancreatic cancer. After her death, Zoe announced she was leaving her BBC Radio 2 show to spend more time with her family.

The actress, formerly the company’s highest-paid performer, finished her Saturday afternoon program last week.

In a recent interview with The Mirror, she pondered whether getting older leads to a more carefree attitude, asking if people simply stop worrying as they age.

I’ve been giving it some thought. I’m not sure if that’s still the case, maybe you’ve stopped stressing over the silly things you used to. But honestly, there are plenty of other things to keep you worried.

She compared life to the movie Indiana Jones, saying it can feel like you’re constantly trying to avoid overwhelming challenges, just like trying to escape that giant rolling boulder. It’s often a stressful and frustrating experience.

Zoe shared that she was deeply upset and had a difficult time coping after her mother passed away. She became so overwhelmed that she had to take a leave of absence from work.

On her podcast, Dig It, she described a time when she was completely overwhelmed. She said she was unable to function, collapsing on the kitchen floor and feeling unable to move.

I went through a really tough time emotionally, something I haven’t discussed much. It was a very difficult experience.

My doctor was incredible. He went above and beyond, even bringing me coffee and bagels, and gently let me know it was time to seek some support. He was truly a wonderful person.

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2026-01-14 02:34