Zoe Ball to Depart Radio 2 Breakfast Show, Scott Mills Announced as Successor

Zoe Ball has revealed her departure as the host of Radio 2’s Breakfast Show, effective in December. Ball stated: “After six incredible years on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, it’s time for me to step away from the very early mornings and focus on family.” She confirmed her continued presence at the station, adding that further details regarding her future role would be disclosed in the new year. Subsequently, Ball revealed that Scott Mills would succeed her, transitioning from his afternoon program slot on the same station. Ball’s final broadcast is scheduled for Friday, 20 December, which she informed listeners on her Tuesday program would be “just in time for Christmas with plenty of fun and shenanigans.” Explaining her choice to her audience, she remarked: “I’ve decided it’s time to step away from the early alarm call and start a new chapter. “We’ve shared a hell of a lot, the good times, the tough times, there’s been a lot of laughter. And I am going to miss you cats.” She further expressed that she would miss her colleagues, describing them as “like family to me.” The breakfast host also commented: “But I won’t miss the 4am alarm call, if I’m completely honest.”You know I love you all to bits.” Mills commented: “Zoe and I have been such good friends now for over 25 years and have spent much of that time as part of the same radio family here at Radio 2 and also on Radio 1. “She’s done an incredible job on this show over the past six years, and I am beyond excited to be handed the baton.” Addressing his audience on his afternoon program later that Tuesday, Mills stated: “I can’t thank you enough for how lovely you all were when I took over from Steve (Wright), and I know that you’re going to extend that love to Trevor Nelson.”Honestly, I can’t wait to start with you every morning.” Ball offered high commendation for her successor, saying: “Scott and I go way back to our Radio 1 days, when he was doing early mornings before me. He’s been a close friend for years, and I’m beyond thrilled it’s him taking over the Breakfast Show. “Breakfast has always been his dream. 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!” Mills had recently covered for Ball during her absence from the program for several weeks. Trevor Nelson, who currently hosts evening shows from Monday to Thursday, is set to take over Mills’ role as the presenter of the 2pm to 4pm weekday afternoon program starting in January. Nelson stated: “I’m looking to have lots of fun and will be bringing a bit of soul to the new show.” Concurrently, DJ Spoony’s weekly broadcast of The Good Grove (Friday nights, 9-11pm) will expand to four weekly shows, airing Monday through Thursday nights. Additionally, Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Kitchen Disco will increase in duration from one to two hours, commencing on Friday nights at 9pm. Ball initially became part of BBC Radio in October 1997, serving as co-host of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show alongside Kevin Greening. From October 1998 to March 2000, Zoe presented the program independently, marking her as the first woman to achieve this. Helen Thomas, the head of Radio 2, stated: “Zoe has woken up the nation on Radio 2 with incredible warmth, wit and so much joy since January 2019.”I’d like to thank her for approaching each show with as much vim and vigour as if it were her first. I’m thrilled that that she’ll remain an important part of the Radio 2 family.” For the 2023/24 period, she held the distinction of being the BBC’s highest-paid on-air female presenter. Her remuneration, ranging from £950,000 to £954,999, placed her second among the highest-earning talents, behind Gary Lineker, as detailed in the corporation’s annual report released in July. A significant number of other personalities are not included on this list, with some undoubtedly earning more than Ball and Lineker, but their names are omitted because the BBC is not obligated to reveal the salaries of individuals compensated via production companies. According to the most recent data from the radio industry organization Rajar, Ball’s program holds the title of the most listened-to breakfast show in the UK. However, in the latest quarter, its listenership decreased by 146,000, reaching 6.28 million, as per industry statistics from Rajar. The figures also indicate that BBC Radio 2 remains the UK’s most listened-to radio station, attracting a weekly audience of 13.3 million. During the 2024 Audio and Radio Industry Awards, also referred to as the Arias, Scott Mills secured gold for the best music entertainment show, while Ball received bronze for the best music breakfast show. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.