Zoe Ball is set to return to weekday radio, taking on a new afternoon show at Greatest Hits Radio. The presenter will host the 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. slot, marking her first major radio role since leaving BBC Radio 2.
During her time at Greatest Hits Radio, Ball will be reunited with several former BBC colleagues, including Ken Bruce, who hosts the mid-morning show, and Simon Mayo, who presents the drivetime program. Other former BBC presenters like Andy Crane, Paul Gambaccini, Richard Allinson, and Alex Lester have also joined the station.
Ball, 55, stepped down from her BBC Radio 2 breakfast show in 2024 and her Saturday afternoon show the following year. Her departure from the BBC came after a period of personal difficulty, including the death of her mother, Julia, from pancreatic cancer in April 2024. She has also spoken publicly about her struggles with perimenopausal anxiety, which led to panic attacks.
"I lost mum and I really was like, I want to take some time and I want to go and be there for my girl because I've always worked. I've never been around," Ball said on a podcast, explaining her decision to take time off. Her daughter, Nelly, was preparing for her GCSEs at the time of Ball's BBC exit.
Ball also pursued a potential role hosting Strictly Come Dancing, but the position ultimately went to others. "I didn't get it, but it's OK," she commented on the rejection. "So I made it in the mix, and I had a really fun time having one last little play at a show that I love and adore."
In addition to her professional changes, Ball has also started a new relationship with production designer Mathieu Weekes, whom she met while he was designing the set for a talent show she presented. The couple were first seen together in June, shortly after she referred to him as "my fella" on BBC Radio 2.