Zoe Ball Admits Listener Comments Can 'Get in Her Head' Amid New Radio Role

Zoe Ball has acknowledged that negative listener comments can affect her, as she navigates the initial stages of her new role at Greatest Hits Radio. The 55-year-old broadcaster moved to the station earlier this month, taking over the weekday 1-4pm slot previously hosted by Kate Thornton.

Ball discussed the transition in a recent episode of the podcast 'Dig It' with her friend Jo Wiley. "It's so scary starting a new job," Ball stated, relating to the common experience of being the 'new girl' following a respected predecessor. She mentioned that while she is enjoying the new position, she tries to avoid reading comments online because they can "get in my head." She noted that while some listeners may not immediately embrace change, she is learning to protect herself from potentially critical feedback.

Reflecting on her on-air performance, Ball admitted to a nerve-wracking first show and a smoother second, before joking that she "messed everything up on the third show." She likened the experience to having good days and bad days, suggesting that occasional mishaps are a normal part of the job and that not all listeners are tuning in at any given moment.

During her first show, Ball conveyed her excitement, telling listeners that her "excitement levels are currently peaking." She expressed gratitude for being a "radio neighbour" to Ken Bruce again and paid tribute to Simon Mayo. She also highlighted the station's partnership with BT and promised to "look after" her audience. Her first song choice was The Kiki Dee Band's "I've Got The Music In Me," which she dedicated to the women behind the song.

Ball previously hosted the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show before stepping down from her afternoon show in December. Her departure from the BBC followed a period of personal challenges, including grief over the loss of her mother to cancer and anxiety related to perimenopause. The move to Greatest Hits Radio marks a new chapter for the broadcaster, who had teased the start of her "new adventure" on Instagram prior to her debut.