Zoe Ball’s Career Move and the Truth Behind Her Exit from BBC Radio 2
Zoe Ball has announced she will step down from her beloved Radio 2 Breakfast Show in December, ending a six-year stint that began when she succeeded Chris Evans in 2019. The BBC presenter, 53, shocked listeners on Tuesday when she shared the news, revealing that Scott Mills, a close friend and colleague, will take over the role in January.
Zoe explained her decision to leave the early-morning gig, citing a desire to focus on family life and step away from the grueling 4 a.m. alarm calls. “I won’t miss the 4 a.m. alarm call if I’m completely honest,” Zoe said. She added, “While I’m stepping away from the Breakfast Show, I’m not disappearing entirely—I’ll still be part of the Radio 2 family, with more news in the New Year.”
Her final broadcast is set for December 20. Although she hasn’t disclosed specifics about her next role, Zoe assured fans she would remain part of the Radio 2 team. “I’m not going to be a stranger,” she said. The decision to leave stems from a reevaluation of her work-life balance, particularly following the death of her mother, Julia, earlier this year. Julia passed away in April after battling pancreatic cancer, a loss that prompted Zoe to prioritize her family.
“She simply wants to live differently, which means having more of a family life,” a source told Mail Online. Zoe is eager to spend more time with her children, Woody, 23, and Nellie, 14, and looks forward to being a “mum in the mornings” again. Zoe’s departure follows an unexplained six-week absence this summer, during which listeners expressed concern about her whereabouts. Upon returning, Zoe cheerfully declared, “I’m back!” but kept the reason for her hiatus private.
The announcement comes amid renewed speculation about Zoe’s relationship with her ex-husband, iconic DJ Norman Cook, also known as Fatboy Slim. The pair, who share two children and divorced in 2016, have remained close co-parents. Recently, Zoe reminisced on-air about their 1999 wedding and revealed she plans to spend her upcoming 54th birthday watching Norman perform in North London.
While friends have noted their growing closeness, any rumors of rekindling their romance are considered “wishful thinking” by those around them. However, sources told Mail Online that Norman has been a steady source of support for Zoe during what has been a challenging year. As Zoe prepares to leave her early mornings behind, fans eagerly await details about her next chapter at Radio 2 and beyond.