Ball replaces
Chris Evans on Britain’s most listened-to radio programme
Zoe Ball has been confirmed as the new host of the
BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, replacing Chris Evans and becoming the first woman to hold the job.
The presenter appeared on the station to discuss the handover with the current host, who is leaving to present the rival breakfast programme on digital station Virgin Radio.
Ball, who said she had known about the appointment for some weeks, will start in January, although no date has been set.
The programme reaches more than 9 million listeners a week, making it the most listened-to programme in Britain. “I didn’t think you were ever going to go,” she told Evans. “I didn’t expect to get a call.”
Both presenters previously hosted the Radio 1 breakfast show during separate stints in the 1990s.
Ball said she had been encouraged by her family to take the job: “The best person I spoke to during that time was my son Woody, nearly 18, who wasn’t even born when I was doing the Radio 1 Breakfast Show.
“He said: ‘Mum, come on. Don’t even think about it. It’s the coolest thing you can do. Be the first girl on Radio 2 Breakfast. It’s amazing.’ He looked into my eyes and held my hand and said: ‘Someone will listen.’”
Asked to remember for how long she did the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, Ball replied: “I can’t really remember how long I did it for because it was the 90s.”
Ball said to Evans: “Will you leave some of your listeners? I know some will go with you. I hope some people will give me a chance. I’m so excited.”
Ball said she still hoped to present Strictly Come Dancing spinoff show It Takes Two in addition to the Breakfast Show.
The Radio 2 boss, Lewis Carnie, said: “I’m delighted that Zoe is the new host of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show as she’s a hugely talented and much loved presenter who brings over 25 years’ broadcasting experience to the network. She’s already built a loyal audience via her Saturday afternoon show, and I know she’ll be a huge hit with the listeners.”
The BBC radio and music director, Bob Shennan, said: “The Radio 2 Breakfast Show is arguably the most coveted job in UK radio, with a long and illustrious history, and I’m thrilled that the baton is now passing to Zoe, who I know will make the show her very own.”