Zoe Ball says presenting Radio 2 breakfast show has been 'absolute privilege'

Zoe Ball Bids Farewell On Her Last Radio 2 Show

Zoe Ball became emotional when she received an unexpected message from her son during her final Radio 2 Breakfast show.

Zoe Ball has expressed that hosting the breakfast show on Radio 2 has been "a true honor," as she wrapped up her last broadcast.

The 54-year-old shared her decision to leave in November, explaining that after "six amazing years," she felt it was "time to leave behind the early mornings and concentrate on family."

In her final remarks on Friday, Ball expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the show since 2019, mentioning that she would greatly miss them.

"It's truly been an amazing experience to host this show. It's really special to be the first woman to take on this role, but I'm sure I won't be the last. Just a reminder to all the girls out there: you can achieve anything!"

We want to give a big shoutout to the most important part of our breakfast show – you, our listeners. Whether you’re young, old, or somewhere in between, we truly appreciate you joining us. Whether you’re listening alone, with family, colleagues, during morning runs, dog walks, truck rides, train journeys, or even while cozying up in bed, it’s been a genuine honor to accompany you during your morning routines.

I’m here, and you’re there, chatting with a friend. It’s a unique and personal connection that I truly value.

We've experienced the ups and downs of life together, and I genuinely hope we've been able to offer you some brightness and joy during tough times, providing a light-hearted escape from more difficult moments.

I’ve been truly touched by all the messages, texts, emails, cards, and letters I've received from you over the years. I really appreciate you sharing your stories with me.

Ball mentioned that she plans to return to Radio 2 in the spring, but information about her upcoming show hasn't been revealed yet.

As the lyrics go, when you spread a bit of love, it eventually comes back to you. I can genuinely say I've experienced that love from all of you listeners. I truly feel fortunate to have been part of this journey. This Christmas, I'm sending tons of love to you and your loved ones.

"Look after yourselves, wonderful friends, my favorite people," she finished, wrapping up with the tune Keeping The Dream Alive by Münchener Freiheit.

Kylie Minogue and David Tennant were just a couple of the celebrities who honored Ball during the entire event.

In a recorded message, singer Minogue expressed her gratitude: "I appreciate the amazing six years we've had. The country adores you, and I adore you too. Every time I've come to visit, it's been a blast."

"We've moved around the studio together, me, you, and your amazing production team—big thanks to them! It’s all been a fantastic experience with you, Zoe."

Minogue wrapped up her message by saying, "Zoe, I hope you find all the love, success, and happiness you desire in your future. We care about you."

Ball's colleagues from the broadcast team, Mike Williams, Richie Anderson, and Tina Daheley, also honored her memory.

Other Radio 2 hosts, such as Jeremy Vine, Dermot O'Leary, Sara Cox, Jo Whiley, Vernon Kay, Rylan Clark, and Trevor Nelson, also expressed their best wishes.

When she started the show on Friday, Ball shared a few modified lines from the song "One Day More" from the musical Les Miserables.

"Here we are again, facing a new day and a new fate. Just one last performance from me, ZB—just kidding, I’m not singing, so let’s enjoy some Daft Punk instead," she said.

She then played "One More Time" by the French electronic duo, and after that, she shared a message from a man who mentioned he was heading home early for Christmas just to catch her final show.

David Tennant, the star of Doctor Who, joined other celebrities in honoring someone by sharing a collection of voice messages.

"You've been incredible for the past six years, and the nation is really going to feel your absence," the actor expressed. "You're truly the best breakfast companion. I appreciate you allowing me to join your show so many times and bother you."

In an interview on Pause for Thought, Reverend Kate Bottley expressed to Ball, "It's time for you to step away from this party, and it's going to require some adjustment for everyone involved."

"We know you well enough to believe that you'll continue to shine and brighten up new spaces. Thank you for keeping the energy alive at this gathering, especially on those days when you weren't in the mood to dance."

Throughout the show, Ball honored the memory of former Radio 2 host Steve Wright, who passed away in February.

"We're thinking of you, dear friend, and while you're not here, your special spirit remains with us. We truly appreciate everything you've done as a fantastic broadcaster and a wonderful friend to all of us."

Scott Mills, who currently hosts the afternoon show on Radio 2, will take her place.

Scott Mills will take over from Ball, transitioning from his afternoon show in January.

Mills was one of the Radio 2 DJs who shared messages for Ball's last show.

"You’re a true friend to all of us, and especially over the past few years, you’ve been there to support us when we needed it most," he expressed.

"And you make it look really effortless, so there's no stress!"

In addition to the heartfelt tributes, Ball's last show included kids phoning in to chat with Santa Claus, who joined her in the studio.

Last month, Ball shared that she has been receiving treatment for a jaw issue known as TMJ disorder. She mentioned that it causes her to experience "terrible headaches" upon waking up.

In 2019, Ball made history by becoming the first woman to host the breakfast show at the station on a full-time basis, stepping into Chris Evans' role.

She stepped away from the show for six weeks during the summer, having already taken time off in the spring due to the passing of her mother.

When she announced her resignation last month, she mentioned that she would remain part of the "Radio 2 team," and promised to share more information in the New Year about what that would entail.

She assured everyone that her last performance would happen "right in time for Christmas, filled with lots of excitement and antics."

Earlier this week on her program, Ball fought back tears when Robbie Williams unexpectedly sent her a touching message.

"I simply want to express my gratitude for everything you’ve contributed to the entertainment industry, to BBC Radio 2, and to everyone who has come before you and those who will follow in your footsteps," Williams mentioned.

"Your ability to make a difference and the warmth you share with others truly matter. It's been significant in the past, is meaningful in the present, and will continue to impact people's lives in the future. So, congratulations to you!"

With tears in his eyes, the DJ said, "Robbie, I care about you so much."

In 1998, Ball made history by becoming the first woman to host the Radio 1 breakfast show. Prior to that, she had co-hosted the Saturday morning children's TV show Live & Kicking.

Ball's Radio 2 show is the UK's most popular breakfast program.

However, her viewership decreased from nine million at the beginning to 6.28 million this past summer, based on statistics from Rajar.

For the 2023/24 period, she ranked as the BBC's top-paid female presenter, earning a salary in the range of £950,000 to £954,999. She was second overall, following Gary Lineker, who was stepping down as the host of Match of the Day.