Zoe Ball’s Radio 2 replacement reacts to BBC announcement
Sign Up For Free Real-Time News Alerts
Subscribe To Our Free Breaking News Alerts
Subscribe For Free Breaking News Alerts
I wish to receive emails regarding promotions, events, and news from The Independent. Please take a look at our privacy policy.
The person taking over Zoe Ball's spot on BBC Radio 2 has shared their thoughts on being named the new host of the breakfast show.
On Tuesday, November 19th, it was announced that Ball would be stepping down from her position after six remarkable years. She took over the role from Chris Evans back in 2018.
Mills, who filled in for Ball while she was on leave to support her mother, will be the ninth individual to host the program. The show has previously been fronted by notable figures such as Ken Bruce and Sir Terry Wogan, who passed away in 2016.
The DJ shared his thoughts on being hired shortly after Ball's announcement, saying, "Zoe and I have been close friends for more than 25 years, and we've been part of the same radio family at Radio 2 and also at Radio 1 for a lot of that time."
"She has performed remarkably on this show for the last six years, and I’m absolutely thrilled to take over."
He shared that it seems like “everything has been guiding me towards this incredible chance” ever since he performed his initial shows as a child for just one spectator – his mom. He described it as “a lifelong dream realized” to take over the Radio 2 Breakfast Show after Sir Terry, Chris, and Zoe.
Mills came to Radio 2 in 2022 after spending 24 years hosting shows on Radio 1.
As he departed from the station, he shared his feelings with his audience, saying, "I can't believe I’ve been on Radio 1 for 24 years—that’s just wild. Of course, I would love for this to last forever and to always feel young. I still have that energy, but unfortunately, it can’t be that way. Still, I don’t feel too down about it because I really believe this isn’t the end, you know?"
The DJ, who took over for Steve Wright at Radio 2 two years prior to his passing, will start hosting the breakfast show on December 20th. Starting in January 2025, Trevor Nelson will take over Mills's afternoon time slot during the weekdays.
In recent years, Mills has been the face of the BBC's Eurovision broadcast, partnering with his friend and fellow Radio 2 DJ Rylan, who also shared his thoughts on the changes in the hosting lineup.
On X/Twitter, Rylan, who took over Ball's Saturday afternoon program when she switched to hosting the breakfast show, expressed: "Zoe, we really appreciate you! Thank you for making Saturday afternoons special for me and being the perfect wake-up for the last six years."
Enjoy a complimentary 7-day trial of Apple TV+!
This offer is for new subscribers only. After the free trial, it's £8.99 per month. Your plan will automatically renew until you decide to cancel it.
Enjoy a complimentary week of Apple TV+!
This offer is available exclusively for new subscribers. You’ll be charged £8.99 per month after the free trial period. The plan will automatically renew until you decide to cancel it.
"Scott, I couldn't be happier for you. If you got a little scrape, you'd be broadcasting it everywhere. I understand how much this achievement matters to you, and I’m genuinely proud of you. I’m really going to miss those late-night hangouts… or maybe we’ll still have plenty of them. Love you both!"
Ball expressed her thoughts about leaving by saying, "I've chosen to move on from waking up early and begin a new phase in my life. I'm looking forward to this next chapter, which includes being a mom in the mornings, and I really can't wait to catch up on things during the school run!"
Speaking to her audience, she expressed, "We've experienced so much together—the joyful moments, the challenges, and plenty of laughter. I'm really going to miss all of you."
She mentioned that she would really miss her coworkers, who she sees as a "family" to her.
