Zoe Ball breaks her silence on new Greatest Hits Radio gig and says she's 'excited' to get back to work after leaving Radio 2 to grieve her mother and 'be there' for her daughter

Zoe Ball has opened up about her decision to return to radio after stepping down from her long-standing role at BBC Radio 2. The veteran broadcaster, who has been a staple of UK radio for over three decades, announced her new position at Greatest Hits Radio, where she will host a daily show beginning on September 7. Speaking candidly on the Dig It podcast with her close friend Jo Whiley, Zoe expressed her excitement about getting back to work, emphasizing that the timing felt right after a period of personal reflection and family-focused living.

Zoe left BBC Radio 2 in 2024, initially stepping down from her iconic Breakfast Show, followed by her Saturday afternoon slot a year later. Her decision came amid significant personal challenges, including the loss of her mother to cancer and the emotional toll of perimenopausal anxiety. These factors contributed to her inability to continue with her usual schedule, prompting her to take a break to prioritize her family, particularly her daughter Nelly, who was navigating her GCSE exams at the time. Zoe described her time away as essential for being present for her family, especially during a pivotal stage in Nelly’s life.

Now, with Nelly having graduated and moved out to live with her father, Fatboy Slim, Zoe has found herself adjusting to a new dynamic. She admitted that her daughter’s newfound independence has prompted her to reassess her own priorities. Despite this change, Zoe remains enthusiastic about her new role, highlighting the flexibility of her schedule—running from 1pm to 4pm—which allows her to balance her responsibilities as a mother with her professional commitments. This structure enables her to be available for her family in the mornings and evenings, should the need arise.

Zoe’s new show on Greatest Hits Radio will be positioned between her former BBC Radio 2 colleagues, Ken Bruce and Simon Mayo, creating a sense of continuity and camaraderie. She expressed her admiration for both of them, noting their influence on her career and the warm welcome she received from the station’s team. Zoe also praised her former BBC boss, Helen Thomas, acknowledging her unwavering support throughout her tenure and even after her departure. Helen, who has faced numerous challenges within the corporation, has remained a steadfast figure in Zoe’s professional journey.

Financially, Zoe was one of the highest-paid female broadcasters at the BBC, earning £950,000 annually. However, her decision to step away from the spotlight was driven more by personal reasons than financial considerations. After a brief return to Radio 2 following her mother’s passing, she ultimately chose to leave the network, citing the emotional strain of continuing under such circumstances. Her transition to Greatest Hits Radio marks a new chapter in her broadcasting career, one that blends nostalgia with contemporary appeal, as she promises to play classic hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

While Zoe admits to feeling nervous about returning to the microphone after nearly two decades away, she remains optimistic about the future. Her comments reflect a broader theme of balancing personal life with professional ambition, a challenge many public figures face. As she prepares to embrace this new phase, Zoe’s story serves as a testament to the importance of self-care and the evolving nature of a career in media.