Zoe Ball has announced she will be leaving her BBC Radio 2 show, just days after her name emerged in a list of potential candidates for the Strictly hosting job. 

The 55-year-old has a long history with Strictly, having hosted its spin-off, It Takes Two, for 10 years between 2011 and 2021.

Zoe has left BBC Radio 2 (Credit: BBC)

Zoe Ball quits BBC Radio 2 role

Yesterday (Saturday, December 13), Zoe announced that she will be leaving her BBC Radio 2 role.

The star shared the news during her show yesterday. She has been hosting her Saturday show since February this year. She quit her morning show on the station last year before her move to Saturdays.

Emma Willis has been announced as her replacement, beginning the role in January 2026.

“Spending Saturday lunchtimes with the Radio 2 gang has been an absolute hoot, the listeners, the stories, and of course my weekly giggles with Romesh and Rylan,” Zoe said yesterday.

“I’m over the moon for the fabulous Emma to take the reins, she’s pure sunshine and is going to bring all the joy (and tunes!) to your Saturdays.”

Meanwhile, Emma said: “I’m a huge fan of Radio 2, so I’m absolutely chuffed to be joining the family – and it’s a real honour to follow in the huge footsteps Zoe leaves behind, who’s someone I admire and adore. I’m very much looking forward to spending my Saturday lunchtimes with the Radio 2 audience, and I’ll happily be the filling to a Romesh and Rylan sandwich!”

Who will replace Tess and Claudia? (Credit: BBC)

Zoe Ball tipped for Strictly hosting gig

Yesterday, it was reported that Zoe’s name was amongst a list of stars who will take part in a “chemistry test” day next month, as the BBC looks at who they will get to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

The list reportedly consists of 10 stars. They are believed to be: Holly Willoughby, Alison Hammond, Amanda Holden, Rylan Clark, Alan Carr, Rob Rinder, Zoe Ball, Bradley Walsh, Angela Scanlon and Alex Jones.

Alex Jones, Alan Carr and Bradley Walsh are reportedly frontrunners for the job. However, all 10 will get a chance to work with one another in a bid to find the perfect partnership.

Zoe hosted It Takes Two for 10 years (Credit: BBC)

‘Golden 10’ to audition next month

Speaking to The Sun, a source said: “Replacing Claudia and Tess is a mammoth task. But the BBC have whittled down the talent to 10 people. They will go to a studio and be put into different pairs to see who works together best. It could be two women or two men paired, or a mix. They will ultimately choose whoever has the best chemistry in each partnership.”

Zoe, of course, has a long history with Strictly. When Claudia Winkleman moved from It Takes Two to host the main show proper, Zoe replaced her in 2011.

She then hosted the show for 10 years before leaving in 2021. She was replaced by Janette Manrara.

Zoe made a brief appearance during Wednesday night’s It Takes Two. The star appeared in a video message as the show celebrated Tess and Claudia’s time hosting Strictly.

Zoe Ball’s decision to step away from her long-running BBC Radio 2 show has sent ripples through the broadcasting world, prompting a mixture of surprise, speculation, and heartfelt reaction from listeners who have grown accustomed to her familiar voice. For years, her presence on Radio 2 has been a constant for millions, a blend of warmth, humour, and emotional openness that made her feel less like a presenter and more like a companion. The announcement that she is quitting the show has therefore been received not simply as a scheduling change, but as the end of an era.

For many listeners, Zoe Ball’s Radio 2 programme was part of daily life. Whether heard during commutes, quiet mornings at home, or long afternoons at work, her show carried a sense of intimacy that is difficult to manufacture. She spoke openly about her life, her struggles, and her joys, weaving music and conversation together in a way that felt deeply personal. That connection is what makes her departure feel so significant, particularly as it arrives amid swirling rumours about a potential new role hosting Strictly Come Dancing.

Zoe’s history with the BBC is long and layered. She first rose to prominence in the 1990s as one of the most recognisable faces of youth television, before evolving into a respected radio broadcaster. Her move to Radio 2 marked a new chapter, one that showcased a different side of her personality: reflective, empathetic, and emotionally intelligent. Over time, she became one of the station’s defining voices, trusted not only to entertain, but to connect.

The announcement that she would be leaving the Radio 2 show was delivered with characteristic honesty. Zoe did not frame it as a dramatic exit or a sudden break, but as a considered decision rooted in personal reflection. She spoke about the need for change, for space, and for re-evaluation, hinting that the demands of daily broadcasting had taken their toll. For listeners who have followed her journey closely, this openness felt familiar, and deeply human.

Yet almost immediately, attention turned to what might come next. Rumours began to circulate that Zoe Ball could be poised to take on a major new role as host of Strictly Come Dancing. The speculation gained traction quickly, fuelled by her existing relationship with the show and her long history with BBC entertainment formats. While no official confirmation has been made, the timing of her Radio 2 departure has inevitably been linked to these reports.

Zoe Ball’s connection to Strictly is already well-established. She has been a contestant on the show, experiencing first-hand the emotional and physical demands of the competition. She has also presented Strictly: It Takes Two, becoming a trusted guide for viewers navigating the highs and lows of the ballroom. This familiarity has led many fans to view her as a natural fit for a more central hosting role.

The idea of Zoe stepping into the Strictly hosting spotlight has been met with enthusiasm by many viewers. Her warmth, quick wit, and emotional sensitivity align closely with the spirit of the show. Strictly is as much about vulnerability and personal journeys as it is about dance, and Zoe has always shown an ability to hold space for those stories. Supporters argue that her presence could bring a renewed emotional depth to the programme.

At the same time, there is a sense of loss tied to her Radio 2 departure that cannot be easily offset by future opportunities. For listeners, the radio show represented consistency and comfort, especially during difficult periods. Zoe’s openness about grief, mental health, and family life resonated deeply, particularly with audiences navigating their own challenges. Her voice became associated with reassurance as much as entertainment.

Zoe Ball’s career has never followed a straight line, and her decision to leave Radio 2 fits into a broader pattern of evolution rather than retreat. She has spoken in the past about burnout, about the pressure of being “on” every day, and about the emotional weight of sharing personal experiences publicly. Quitting the show may reflect a desire to protect her wellbeing, to step back from the relentless rhythm of daily broadcasting.

The context of her personal life adds another layer to this decision. Zoe has been open about the profound impact of loss, including the death of her mother and her struggles with grief. These experiences reshaped her outlook, influencing how she approaches work and balance. For many, her honesty has been one of her greatest strengths, but it also comes with emotional cost.

Stepping away from Radio 2 may represent an act of self-preservation rather than ambition. While the Strictly rumours suggest a high-profile next step, Zoe has not framed her departure as a move toward something bigger, but as a step toward something different. That distinction matters, particularly for fans who value her authenticity.

Within the BBC, Zoe Ball is widely respected not just for her popularity, but for her professionalism and adaptability. Her ability to move between radio, television, and live formats has made her a versatile figure within the organisation. If she does take on a larger role with Strictly, it would be a continuation of that versatility rather than a radical departure.

The speculation also raises questions about the future of Strictly itself. The show has undergone gradual changes over the years, adapting to shifting audience expectations and cultural conversations. A new host could signal another phase in its evolution, one that prioritises emotional connection as much as spectacle. Zoe’s potential involvement fits neatly into that narrative.

For Radio 2, Zoe’s exit creates both a challenge and an opportunity. Replacing a presenter with such a strong personal following is never easy. Her successor will inevitably be compared to her, not just in style, but in emotional presence. The station must decide whether to seek continuity or deliberately move in a new direction.

Listeners have responded to the news with a mixture of sadness and understanding. Many have expressed gratitude for the years Zoe spent sharing her mornings or afternoons with them, acknowledging how much her voice meant during ordinary and extraordinary moments alike. Others have voiced excitement at the prospect of seeing her in a new role, trusting that she will bring the same sincerity wherever she goes.

Zoe Ball’s career has always been defined by connection. Whether speaking to millions or engaging in one-to-one conversations on air, she has a rare ability to make people feel seen and heard. That skill does not disappear with a change in role; it simply finds a new outlet. This is perhaps why the Strictly rumours feel so plausible to many.

Still, the uncertainty surrounding her next steps leaves room for reflection. Zoe’s departure invites a broader conversation about longevity in broadcasting, about how presenters evolve, and about the importance of recognising when it is time to let go of something that no longer fits. In an industry that often rewards endurance at all costs, choosing to step away can be an act of courage.

As she leaves Radio 2, Zoe does so with a legacy intact. She transformed the show into a space where music and emotion could coexist naturally. She demonstrated that vulnerability has a place in mainstream broadcasting, and that honesty can be a source of strength rather than weakness. Those qualities will remain associated with her name, regardless of what she does next.

The Strictly hosting rumours may continue until an official announcement is made, but for now, they exist as possibility rather than certainty. What is certain is that Zoe Ball’s influence on British broadcasting is far from over. Whether behind a radio microphone or at the centre of a glittering ballroom, her presence carries meaning.

For fans, this moment is bittersweet. It marks the end of a familiar chapter, but also the beginning of something unknown. Zoe Ball has always embraced change, even when it comes with discomfort or risk. Her decision to quit her Radio 2 show reflects that spirit, reminding audiences that growth often requires letting go.

As the dust settles and the rumours continue, one thing remains clear: Zoe Ball’s departure is not about disappearance, but transition. It is about redefining where and how she wants to connect with audiences. And wherever that connection takes shape next, it will be guided by the same warmth, honesty, and emotional intelligence that made her Radio 2 show so beloved in the first place.

As Zoe Ball steps away from her BBC Radio 2 show, the moment feels far bigger than a presenter changing roles or a schedule adjustment in the broadcasting calendar. It carries the emotional weight of years spent speaking into people’s lives, of mornings shaped by familiar laughter, honesty, and shared vulnerability. For many listeners, her departure is not just about losing a radio programme, but about saying goodbye to a voice that accompanied them through ordinary routines and extraordinary moments alike.

There is something deeply intimate about radio, and Zoe understood that better than most. She never treated her audience as a faceless mass. She spoke as though she were sitting across the table, coffee in hand, acknowledging the realities of life as they are lived rather than as they are curated. Over time, that intimacy built trust, and trust built loyalty. Her show became a space where joy and sorrow could coexist, where music could sit alongside difficult conversations without feeling forced.

Leaving that space is not a small thing. It requires letting go not only of a job, but of a daily rhythm that structures life. For Zoe, whose career has been intertwined with broadcasting for decades, stepping away from Radio 2 represents a profound shift in identity as much as profession. It is the end of a chapter written slowly, one show at a time, shaped by consistency, emotional openness, and resilience.

What makes her decision especially poignant is the timing. The rumours linking her departure to a possible move into the Strictly Come Dancing hosting role add a layer of excitement and speculation, yet they also risk overshadowing the emotional reality of what she is leaving behind. Whether or not those rumours materialise, the truth remains that Zoe has chosen change at a point in her life when comfort and familiarity would have been the easier option.

Her career has taught her that ease does not always equal fulfilment. Zoe has never been afraid to evolve, even when evolution comes with uncertainty. From her early days on television to her later transition into radio, she has repeatedly shown a willingness to listen to her instincts rather than cling to expectations. Quitting Radio 2 feels like another expression of that instinct, guided by a deeper understanding of her own limits and needs.

There is also an emotional honesty in acknowledging when something, even something beloved, begins to take more than it gives. Daily radio is demanding in ways that are often invisible to the audience. It requires constant emotional availability, energy, and presence, regardless of what is happening behind the scenes. For someone who has spoken openly about grief, mental health, and the toll of public life, choosing to step back can be an act of self-care rather than retreat.

Listeners sensed that truth in her words. Her farewell was not dramatic or grand, but reflective and sincere. She did not frame her departure as an ending defined by loss, but as a transition shaped by gratitude. That tone mattered. It reassured audiences that while the show was ending, the connection was not being dismissed or forgotten.

The reaction from fans reflects how deeply Zoe’s presence mattered. Messages poured in from people who felt seen, comforted, or accompanied by her voice over the years. Some spoke about listening during moments of grief, others during periods of change or loneliness. These responses reveal the quiet power of her broadcasting: it was never about dominating attention, but about sharing space.

In this context, the Strictly rumours take on a different emotional colour. They are not simply about career advancement, but about continuity of connection. Strictly is a show built on emotion, vulnerability, and personal journeys, values that align closely with Zoe’s strengths. If she does move into that role, it will not be a departure from who she is, but an extension of it into a different format.

Yet even that possibility does not erase the sense of absence her Radio 2 departure creates. There will be mornings when listeners reach for the radio out of habit, only to be met by a different voice. Change, even when welcomed, carries a moment of disorientation. It asks people to let go of routines that anchored them, to accept that time moves forward whether we are ready or not.

For Zoe, this acceptance has been hard-won. Her life has been shaped by loss as well as success, and those experiences have recalibrated her priorities. She has spoken about learning to listen to her body and her emotions, about recognising when it is time to slow down or step aside. Quitting Radio 2 feels like the result of that learning, a decision rooted in self-awareness rather than impulse.

There is also courage in leaving while still loved. Zoe did not wait until the connection faded or the joy disappeared entirely. She chose to leave at a point where the relationship with her audience remained strong, preserving the integrity of what she built. That choice reflects respect not only for herself, but for the listeners who invested their time and trust in her.

As speculation continues about her next move, there is value in sitting with the emotional truth of this moment rather than rushing ahead. This is a pause, a breath, a moment of reflection in a career that has often been fast-paced and demanding. Whatever comes next will be shaped by what she has learned here: about vulnerability, balance, and the power of being present.

The BBC itself will feel her absence. Zoe Ball’s tenure on Radio 2 helped redefine what mainstream radio could sound like. She brought emotional intelligence into a space often dominated by lightness alone, proving that audiences are capable of holding complexity alongside entertainment. Her legacy is not just in ratings or playlists, but in tone and trust.

For her successor, the challenge will not be to imitate her, but to honour the space she created while bringing something new. Zoe’s departure creates room for evolution, just as her arrival once did. That is the nature of broadcasting, and of life: continuity through change.

As for Zoe, this moment invites compassion. Change is rarely easy, even when chosen. Leaving behind a role that shaped so much of her daily life will require adjustment, reflection, and perhaps moments of doubt. Yet those moments are part of growth, not signs of failure.

The rumours around Strictly may resolve themselves in time, either through confirmation or quiet fading. What matters more is that Zoe Ball remains guided by the same principles that defined her Radio 2 years: honesty, empathy, and connection. Those qualities are not tied to a single programme; they are part of who she is.

In stepping away, Zoe reminds audiences that careers are not static, and neither are people. It is possible to love something deeply and still choose to leave it. It is possible to honour the past without being bound by it. These truths resonate far beyond broadcasting, touching something universal about growth and self-trust.

As listeners adjust to life without her familiar voice at Radio 2, they do so with a mixture of sadness and gratitude. Sadness for what has ended, gratitude for what was shared. That emotional complexity mirrors the tone Zoe herself has always embraced: life as it is, layered and honest.

Whatever comes next for her, one thing is clear. Zoe Ball’s departure from Radio 2 is not an exit into silence, but a step into possibility. It is the closing of one chapter and the quiet beginning of another, shaped by intention rather than expectation. And for those who have listened, laughed, and sometimes cried along with her, the connection remains, not confined to a time slot, but carried forward in memory, trust, and anticipation of what she will bring to the world next.