Zoe Ball returns to Radio 2 breakfast show

Ball’s recent absence was unexpected, with some listeners noting it came after Ball had already taken a recent holiday.

A BBC Radio 2 spokesperson said over the weekend: “We are looking forward to welcoming Zoe back to the Radio 2 Breakfast Show.”

Ball had confirmed she would return in a post on X, external on Sunday.

The DJ also thanked fellow presenters Mills and DJ Spoony for filling in for her.

On his first show standing in for Ball, Mills did not explain why Ball was off, and greeted listeners on his first day by saying simply: “Good Morning. You weren’t expecting me were you? Welcome to Monday. It’s Scott Mills.

“If you set your alarm every morning to go off at 6.30 and normally Zoe comes on please do not freak out. You have not overslept. I’m here doing the breakfast show, do not panic.”

Ball has presented Radio 2’s breakfast show since 2019, when she took over from Chris Evans, who had fronted it for nine years.

She was the first female breakfast show host in Radio 2’s history. She was also the first female host of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, which she presented for two years from 1998.