Zoe Ball to step down from BBC Radio 2 Saturday show; Emma Willis to take over

Zoe Ball announced on her BBC Radio 2 Saturday show that she will be stepping down from presenting the Saturday afternoon programme. She stated that Emma Willis would replace her, describing Willis as a “superwoman” and asserting that Ball would not disappear entirely from the airwaves. Ball’s final show is scheduled for December 20, but she will continue to host specials on the station. Ball previously left the Radio 2 breakfast show last December after nearly six years in that role, returning to host the 13:00 to 15:00 GMT Saturday slot. During the broadcast, Ball reflected fondly on working with Romesh Ranganathan and Rylan Clarke, and hinted at upcoming Christmas programming and a new eras show in the new year. Willis, 49, expressed excitement about joining the Radio 2 family and following in Ball’s footsteps. Willis has a background hosting on Heart Radio (2012–2018) and has served as a Radio 2 cover presenter since 2019. The announcement marks a transition for Radio 2’s weekend lineup, with Willis stepping into a high-profile role on a station known for its wide audience reach.