Zoe Ball, the beloved British DJ, is back on BBC Radio 2 after a short break to focus on her family. The 54-year-old broadcaster made her return with a new Saturday afternoon show, launching with the classic tune “Boogie Oogie Oogie” by A Taste Of Honey.
In the opening moments of her show, Ball greeted listeners warmly and praised her predecessor, Joel Dommett, for his work. She added, “It’s me, Ballette, back once again with the ill behaviour.” The show began with energy, as Ball was eager to dive into the music and keep things lively.
As Booker T And The MGs’ iconic “Green Onions” played, Ball humorously questioned whether it was still necessary to do time checks, suggesting that the relaxed atmosphere of the show might not require them anymore.
“It’s lovely to be back on a Saturday. This is where it all began for me. Back in the day, I used to sweep up and make the teas. I did early mornings, and then I took the slot where Rylan is,” Ball recalled. She also shared a light-hearted moment with her producer, Geoff (known as Geoff with a ‘g’), who had prepared a surprise for her. Ball expressed gratitude for the surprise cake made by Geoff’s daughter, Emily.
In her opening segment, Ball also jokingly pointed out the contrasting lifestyles between her daughter Nelly, who had spent the previous night at a beach rave, and herself, as she embraced the “clean living life.”
Zoe Ball’s Health Challenges and Career Updates
Zoe Ball’s return to the airwaves follows her decision to step away from the BBC Breakfast Show in December 2024. She had taken a break due to health issues, specifically a temporomandibular (TMJ) joint disorder, which causes pain in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. This condition often leads to severe headaches, and Ball shared that she wakes up most days with this discomfort.
Ball had made her decision to leave the breakfast show in November 2024, citing the impact of her health condition on her ability to perform at her best. However, she has made a successful return to radio, bringing her signature energy back to the airwaves.
Zoe Ball’s Career Highlights and Personal Life
In 2023/24, Zoe Ball was the BBC’s highest-paid female on-air presenter, earning between £950,000 and £954,999, placing her second on the list of top-earning BBC talent, just behind Gary Lineker. This impressive salary reflects her success and popularity with listeners over the years.
Ball is known for her role on BBC Radio 2, where she hosted “The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show” before her departure. Her influence on the station has been significant, especially after becoming the first woman to take on such a prominent presenting role.
In her personal life, Ball was previously married to musician and DJ Norman Cook, also known as Fatboy Slim. The couple shares two children: a son, Woody Fred Cook, born in 2000, and a daughter, Nelly May Lois Cook, born in 2010.
Future Plans and New Beginnings
Since stepping down from her breakfast show, Ball has embraced new challenges in her career. Following her departure in December 2024, Scott Mills took over her slot in January 2025, while Trevor Nelson filled the 2-4 pm weekday time slot that had previously been hers.
Ball’s journey at BBC Radio 2 continues, and her loyal fans are excited to see what the future holds for the radio host as she embarks on this new chapter of her career.
