Zoe Ball choked up live on air during her last show on Radio 2 (Image: BBC)
was visibly moved this morning as she prepared to present her final Radio 2 show.
With a heavy heart, Zoe expressed her gratitude to her loyal audience, acknowledging the outpouring of support and sharing heartfelt messages from fans. She confessed that kind words, including those from friend Oti Mabuse, had brought her to tears.
As she kicked off the broadcast, Zoe disclosed that the entire team had reunited for her swansong, though emotions were running high: “We’ve had some tears already. We don’t quite know what to do with ourselves this morning, do we? I’ve come in and I suddenly can’t remember how to press the button.”
Following Reverend Kate Bottley’s moving tribute to Zoe for her final show the presenter fought back tears as she choked up live on-air.
She went on to mention her show replacement, Scott Mills, as she delivered a six-word verdict.
Zoe told listeners: “Scott is going to be so brilliant. I couldn’t be happier to hand on… that’s a party boy if ever I knew one. He is going to be wonderful. I know he is.
Zoe Ball and Scott Mills at the BBC Zoe is to stand down from the Breakfast show and Scott Mills will take over (Image: Ian Vogler/Daily Mirror)
“He is busy doing panto at the minute. He’s been in touch with the team and they have already come up with some brilliant ideas. Love you Scott.”
Earlier in the show, she shared more personal moments, saying: “I’ve already had a little cry on Patrick! But we’re going to have lots of fun today. We’re playing some of my favourite records today – both Christmassy and non-Christmassy ones and we’ll get through as many messages from the listeners as we can.”
The emotional rollercoaster continued as Zoe mentioned texts from celebrities, including one from Cher. “‘Christmas with my girls Sunday,’ that’s Cher as she says ‘have a lovely show’. Cher, the actual Cher, is texting into the show. Oh bless her. And thank you Oti Mabuse for your gorgeous message as well. That made me cry too.”
Zoe dropped a bombshell last month, revealing her plans to quit the Radio 2 Breakfast Show. On air, the broadcaster made it clear she’s ready to “start a new chapter” after six years of dawn patrols but reassured fans she won’t be severing ties entirely with Radio 2 post-departure.
Don’t miss… [TV]
Zoe Ball hosted her final Radio 2 show this morning (Image: PA)
Her heartfelt declaration to listeners went: “Ok you lovely bunch, I have some news. After six years of fun times alongside you all on the Breakfast Show, I’ve decided it’s time to step away from the early alarm call and start a new chapter. You know I think the world of you all listeners, and it truly has been such a privilege to share the mornings with you, to go through life’s little ups and downs, we got through the lockdown together, didn’t we? “.
Continuing with emotion she shared, “We’ve shared a hell of a lot, the good times, the tough times, there’s been a lot of laughter. And I am going to miss you cats. I’m going to miss my amazing Prod Squad who I adore. Already missing Mike, I’m going to miss Tina and Richie. They’ve all become like family to me, like you lot. But I won’t miss the 4am alarm call, if I’m completely honest. So my last Breakfast show will be with you on the 20th of December and then its high kicks all the way to Christmas, gang.”
Expressing heartfelt gratitude and a promise for future updates, the departing host said: “I’m not going to be a stranger, I’m staying in the Radio 2 crew and family because it’s an amazing family – as we saw last week with Paddy’s fantastic Children in Need challenge- and I’ll have more news on that in the New Year.
I just want to say I’m so grateful to my incredible boss ladies, to Helen and Laura and Lorna and Fiona, they have always been so supportive of me especially in this job and particularly this year, so thank you ladies.
Now of course it leaves us with a big question, who is going to wake you up in the mornings? Well the good news is you don’t have to wait very long to find out. I am going to reveal the brand new host of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show on this show this morning . But for now, know I love you all to bits and this song from Supertramp seemed like a good one to play.”
In a significant handover, Scott will assume the role as the beloved motivation for countless early risers in 2025 after Zoe concluded her tenure, following a period away from the mic during the summer due to the passing of her mother earlier in the year.