Zoe Ball emotionally signs off last Radio 2 Breakfast show with moving final song
Subscribe To IndyArts For Free Entertainment Updates
Join Our Free IndyArts Newsletter Today!
Subscribe To Our Free IndyArts Newsletter!
I want to receive emails about promotions, events, and news from The Independent. Please check our privacy policy.
Zoe Ball has tearfully concluded her last show as the host of BBC Radio 2 Breakfast, wrapping up six years in that role.
The 54-year-old revealed in November that she was leaving the show, stating that it was “time for me to move on from the early mornings and concentrate on my family.”
As she shared her farewell message one last time, Ball expressed to her audience on Friday (20 December): "It feels like it's just you and me, chatting like friends. It's truly a unique and personal connection."
She expressed, “Being part of this show has been a wonderful opportunity. Following in the tradition of Terry Wogan, Steve Wright, and others has been an honor. I feel privileged to be the first woman to host this program... and to all the girls out there, always remember, you can achieve anything.”
"I've been truly touched by all the messages and cards I've received throughout the years. We've shared so many moments of joy, sorrow, and of course, plenty of dancing."
"I'll catch you all in the spring on Radio 2, where I'll be dropping in to share exciting new experiences. It's been an incredible journey; remember to take care of yourselves. Much love to you all, my wonderful friends," she said before pressing play on her last track, Münchener Freiheit’s 1988 classic "Keeping the Dream Alive."
Earlier in the program, Ball confessed that she was so emotional that she could barely see the buttons in front of her. She also apologized ahead of time for any possible errors.
"I can't see the buttons through my overwhelming tears, so everything is bound to go wrong," she said.
David Tennant, known for his role in Doctor Who, was one of the celebrities who honored the occasion with a collection of recorded messages that were shown during the program.
"You’ve been incredible over the past six years, and the country is really going to feel your absence," the actor expressed. "[You're] the greatest breakfast companion. I appreciate you welcoming me onto your show so many times and putting up with my antics."
Enjoy a complimentary 7-day trial of Apple TV+.
This offer is available to new subscribers only. After a free trial, the cost will be £8.99 per month. The plan will automatically renew until you decide to cancel it.
Enjoy a complimentary 7-day trial of Apple TV+!
This offer is for new subscribers exclusively. The cost will be £8.99 per month after the free trial period ends. The plan will automatically renew unless you decide to cancel it.
Kylie Minogue expressed her gratitude, stating, “I appreciate the amazing six years. The country adores you, and so do I. Every time I’ve visited you, it’s been a blast.”
"We've grooved together in the studio, you, me, and your incredible production team—big thanks to them! Everything has come together with you, Zoe."
The singer wrapped up by saying, “Zoe, I hope you find all the love, success, happiness, and everything you desire as you move forward... we care about you.”
Throughout the program, Ball also honored the memory of Steve Wright, the former Radio 2 host who passed away in February.
"We feel your absence, dear friend, but your spirit is always present with us. Thank you for being such a wonderful broadcaster and a great companion to everyone in our broadcasting community," she expressed.
Throughout the program, Ball had the chance to reconnect with her audience, including a woman who named her daughter in Ball's honor. This memorable moment occurred on the day Ball made history by becoming Radio 2's first female breakfast show host, which coincidentally was also when the woman gave birth six years earlier.
In another instance, some of the most prominent hosts from BBC Radio sent a touching collection of messages during the broadcast, with Dermot O’Leary and Scott Mills both offering their support to the presenter. "That’s it, I’m done," Ball said, unable to hold back tears.
Ball made history in 2019 when she became the first woman to serve as the full-time breakfast host at the station, stepping in for Chris Evans. She also broke new ground as the first female presenter of BBC Radio 1's Breakfast show, a role she held for two years starting in 1998.
The host stepped away from the show for six weeks during the summer, following a previous hiatus in the spring due to the passing of her mother, Julie Peckham, who had been suffering from late-stage pancreatic cancer.
When Ball revealed her exit from the show last month, she mentioned that she would remain part of the "Radio 2 team" and vowed to provide more information about her role in the New Year.
As reported by the BBC, Ball's Radio 2 breakfast show is the most popular in the UK. However, data from Rajar shows that her audience has decreased from nine million at the start to 6.28 million this summer.
For the 2023/24 period, she was recognized as the highest-paid female presenter at the BBC, earning a salary ranging from £950,000 to £954,999. This positioned her in second place overall, trailing only Gary Lineker, who was the host of Match of the Day before stepping down.
Scott Mills is set to take over Ball’s time slot during weekday mornings, transitioning from his current afternoon show that airs from 2 PM to 4 PM.
Mills expressed his feelings about the announcement by noting that he and Ball have been friends for 25 years, and he is "extremely thrilled to take on this new role."
He shared, "Ever since I started recording my first shows as a child for just my mum, it seems like every step I've taken has brought me to this incredible chance. It's truly a dream I've had for a long time to be the new host of The Radio 2 Breakfast Show, following in the paths of Sir Terry, Chris, and Zoe."
Ball mentioned that Mills has been a “dear friend” for many years, and she couldn't be happier that he is the one stepping in to take charge.
