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Zoe Ball looks cheery as she is seen for the first time after quitting her £950,000 role as Radio 2 Breakfast Show host to ‘focus on family’

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Zoe Ball looks cheery as she is seen for the first time after quitting her £950,000 role as Radio 2 Breakfast Show host to 'focus on family'

As a long-time radio enthusiast, I find myself both intrigued and saddened by the news of Zoe Ball stepping away from the Radio 2 Breakfast Show. With over two decades spent within the BBC’s radio family, it’s heartening to see her journey unfold, from her pioneering days on Radio 1 to her successful tenure at Radio 2.

On Wednesday, Zoe Ball went shopping – this was her first public appearance since she announced her departure from her £950,000 position as the host of BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show.

The presenter, aged 53, shared during a broadcast that she plans to leave the show by December 20, having served for six years. Her decision is driven by a desire to concentrate more on her family, while she will still be found on the same station.

24 hours following the announcement, Zoe appeared cheerful while browsing at upscale urban store Me & Em and picked up a drink.

The presenter, mother of Woody, age 23, and Nelly, age 14, together with ex-spouse Norman Cook, adopted a relaxed appearance in a green sweater, padded jacket, and navy pants during her trip in London, dressed in these clothes.

Starting in January, Scott Mills will be stepping into Zoe’s role as host of the morning radio show on Radio 2.

Over the summer, Zoe was absent for a peculiar six-week span, during which Scott stood in for her. She came back in September after that break.

Zoe Ball looks cheery as she is seen for the first time after quitting her £950,000 role as Radio 2 Breakfast Show host to 'focus on family'

Zoe Ball looks cheery as she is seen for the first time after quitting her £950,000 role as Radio 2 Breakfast Show host to 'focus on family'
Zoe Ball looks cheery as she is seen for the first time after quitting her £950,000 role as Radio 2 Breakfast Show host to 'focus on family'

In reference to her program, Zoe expressed that after spending six delightful years with everyone on the morning show, she has chosen to move on from those early wake-up calls and embark on a fresh journey.

The seasoned host expressed her excitement in sharing that her long-time pal, Mill, would be stepping into her role, informing listeners: “Scott and I have a rich history dating back to our Radio 1 days when he used to host early mornings before me. We’ve been friends for quite some time, and I couldn’t be more ecstatic that it’s him inheriting the Breakfast Show.

‘Breakfast has always been his dream, and what a year he’s had – from racing around the world to his beautiful wedding to Sam. He’s not only a blooming brilliant producer but one of the best in radio. I can’t wait to tune in on the school run!’.

The response to the announcement on social media has varied, with one individual labeling him as ‘a poor substitute,’ and another describing the morning’s news as ‘awful.’

Others have vowed to switch off as a result, with one saying it was ‘time to find another station’.

Yet others have been more favourable, with responses including ‘fantastic news’ and offering ‘huge congratulations’ while describing him as ‘equally talented’ to Zoe.

Mills joined his friend on her show this morning and said he was ‘beyond excited’ to become host. 

Zoe Ball looks cheery as she is seen for the first time after quitting her £950,000 role as Radio 2 Breakfast Show host to 'focus on family'
Zoe Ball looks cheery as she is seen for the first time after quitting her £950,000 role as Radio 2 Breakfast Show host to 'focus on family'
Zoe Ball looks cheery as she is seen for the first time after quitting her £950,000 role as Radio 2 Breakfast Show host to 'focus on family'
Zoe Ball looks cheery as she is seen for the first time after quitting her £950,000 role as Radio 2 Breakfast Show host to 'focus on family'
Zoe Ball looks cheery as she is seen for the first time after quitting her £950,000 role as Radio 2 Breakfast Show host to 'focus on family'
Zoe Ball looks cheery as she is seen for the first time after quitting her £950,000 role as Radio 2 Breakfast Show host to 'focus on family'

For more than two decades now, Zoe and I have been cherished friends, sharing a significant portion of that time as part of the same radio family here at Radio 2 and Radio 1. Over the last six years, she has truly shone on this show, and I am thrilled beyond belief to be taking over from her.

Since I began recording shows as a youngster with just my mom as an audience, each path I’ve taken has ultimately led me to this fantastic opportunity. It’s truly a dream come true after all these years to step into the shoes of Sir Terry, Chris, and Zoe as the new host of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show.

In 2023/24, the ball was the BBC’s second highest-paid female on-air presenter, earning a salary between £950,000 and £954,999. This information was revealed in the corporation’s annual report published in July, with Gary Lineker being the top earner.

Earlier this month, it was disclosed that Lineker was let go from Match of the Day – one among several notable departures from the BBC in recent times.

In 1998, she became the first woman to host the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, a position she held until 2000. Additionally, she teamed up with Jamie Theakston as co-hosts on BBC’s Saturday morning children’s program Live & Kicking for a span of three years, starting from 1996.

This morning, Ball conveyed to his audience: “I genuinely value each one of you, my listeners, and it has been an immense honor for me to spend our mornings with you, navigating life’s small victories and setbacks. We weathered the storm of lockdown together, didn’t we?

We’ve experienced many moments together, from joyful ones to challenging ones, filled with much happiness and laughter. I will truly miss spending time with all of you.

She added: ‘But I won’t miss the 4am alarm call, if I’m completely honest.’ 

In a formal announcement, she expressed that after spending six remarkable years on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, it’s now time for her to leave the early morning shifts and devote more attention to her family. She feels grateful for the experience.

I deeply appreciate each and every one of you and I’m thankful for the backing I receive from my superiors, particularly during this challenging year.

Ball announced that her final performance would take place on December 20, mentioning: “Perfect timing for the holiday season filled with excitement and mischief.

As I take a break from hosting the Breakfast Show, you won’t lose sight of me completely – I’ll continue to be an integral part of the Radio 2 team, bringing you more updates in the coming year.

As I eagerly step into the next phase of my life, I am thrilled to take on the role of motherhood during our early hours, and I can hardly contain my anticipation for our shared daily adventure on the school run!

The host chose to take a break from the program following her unexplained six-week hiatus, which raised some questions among viewers.

In September, she resumed broadcasting, carrying on with regular business. She warmly welcomed her fans back and inquired from the listeners about what significant events they think she might have missed during her absence.

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2024-11-20 21:34

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