Beloved broadcaster Zoe Ball has signed off from her BBC Radio 2 Saturday show for the final time, marking the end of an era with a mix of emotion and humour. The 55-year-old presenter, who announced her departure earlier this month, hosted her last programme on Saturday, December 20.
An Emotional Farewell On Air
During the broadcast, fellow presenter Romesh Ranganathan set a poignant tone, comparing Zoe's departure to a "death in the family". He expressed his personal sadness, stating he would miss seeing her every Saturday. When asked how she was feeling, Ball replied with characteristic warmth, saying, "It's my last Saturday show … I'm feeling like everybody else is feeling at this time of year … Don't worry I won't be a stranger."
Joking About the 'Real Reason' for Leaving
The show was also filled with the presenter's trademark wit. Ranganathan playfully quizzed her on rumours she was leaving to take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing, before joking the real issue was with 'Sally on traffic'. Ball played along, quipping, "Sally and I have been in love with each other for a long time and we've decided we can't possibly work in the same building anymore because the magnetism is too much."
Passing the Baton to Emma Willis
While saying goodbye to her regular slot, Zoe Ball confirmed she is not disappearing from the station entirely. She revealed she will continue to host special programmes, including Christmas Crooners and an 'eras show' in the new year.
Most significantly, she announced her permanent replacement. The broadcaster Emma Willis will be taking over the Saturday afternoon slot, officially joining the Radio 2 family. Ball gave her successor a glowing introduction, listing her credentials from The Voice to Big Brother and calling her a "gorgeous lass".
Ball signed off by expressing her love for her colleagues and listeners, stating, "I have loved being betwixt my dear friends Romesh [Ranganathan] and Rylan [Clark], and you know, I love you all to bits." Her final regular show marks the close of a significant chapter for one of Radio 2's most familiar voices.
