Zoe Ball has admitted to experiencing "new girl nerves" as she returned to the airwaves on Monday for her first show on Greatest Hits Radio. The 55-year-old broadcaster is hosting the weekday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. slot, marking her transition to commercial radio after leaving BBC Radio 2.
Ball, who departed BBC Radio 2 in 2024 after a successful run on the Breakfast Show and left her Saturday afternoon program a year later, confessed her "tongue is stuck in my teeth with nerves" during the launch of her new show. She shared that she is actively reminding herself to "breathe" throughout the broadcast.
"I can tell you excitement levels are currently peaking," Ball told her listeners, expressing her joy at becoming a "radio neighbor" to former BBC colleague Ken Bruce, who hosts the mid-morning show. She also paid tribute to Simon Mayo, whose Drivetime show follows hers, describing him as "the mighty Simon Mayo. Adore him."
Her debut featured The Kiki Dee Band's 1974 hit "I've Got The Music In Me," dedicated to the women behind the song. Ball also promised new segments for the show, while continuing the station's tradition of playing lunchtime anthems from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. She also highlighted the show's partnership with BT.
Ball's move comes after a period of personal reflection. She previously explained on the "Dig It" podcast with Jo Whiley that leaving the BBC allowed her time to grieve the loss of her mother in 2024 and support her daughter, Nelly, through her GCSEs. With Nelly now 16 and more independent, Ball felt ready for a new professional chapter.
"Anyway, this really amazing opportunity came up," Ball said, noting that the 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. schedule allows her to balance her broadcasting career with family life. She described the team at Greatest Hits Radio as "lovely" and "brilliant," with many familiar faces from her past.
Ball had teased her return on social media, sharing a photo of Greatest Hits Radio microphones and calling it "a new adventure."