Scott Mills on battle to win over Radio 2 listeners and replacing Zoe Ball

Scott Mills has been announced as the replacement for Zoe Ball on Radio 2's coveted Breakfast Show slot

Today Scott Mills was announced as the new host of BBC Radio 2, replacing Zoe Ball who has held the position for six years

Zoe broke the shock news to listeners live on air on Tuesday morning. The popular presenter said it has been a “privilege” to share her mornings with listeners as she announced her departure. She has fronted the morning programme since 2019 after taking over from Chris Evans.

Announcing the news she said: “Okay, you lovely bunch, I have some news. After six years of fun times alongside you all on the breakfast show, I’ve decided it’s time to step away from the early alarm call and start a new chapter. You know I think the world of you all, listeners, and it truly has been such a privilege to share the mornings with you, to go through life’s little ups and downs.”

Just minutes later, Zoe's replacement was already announced as Scott Mills. As the baton was handed over, a thrilled Scott told listeners: “It feels ever since recording my first shows as a kid for an audience of one, my mum, all roads since have led to this amazing opportunity. It really is a lifelong dream come true to follow in the footsteps of Sir Terry, Chris and Zoe to be the new presenter of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show.”

The news come after Scott told the Mirror how he had to work to win over some of the station’s ‘hardcore’ listeners after he made the jump for Radio 1 to Radio 2.

Despite proving himself with a 24 year stretch at sister station Radio 1, Scott admitted he had a ‘big act to follow’ when he was asked to step into the shoes of radio titan Steve Wright in July 2022 - ending Steve’s own 23 year reign. Tragically just 16 months after the switch, Steve passed away from a ruptured stomach ulcer at the age of 69. Scott was one of many DJs at the station to join the outpouring of tributes, calling the late host ‘an absolute legend.’

Scott, 51, admitted some of Radio 2's loyal listeners were taken aback by the change and were hard to please.

“I’ve been on the radio for hundreds of years so if you were 20 and you listened to me on Radio 1 and you’re now 40, you might have come over to Radio 2 with me,” said Scott. “Then I think you’ve got your hardcore, have always been listening to Radio 2 fans. Now it feels that I’ve been on long enough for them to be like, ‘Oh, we do quite like him now.’ Maybe they’d never listened to me before you know?”

“People do like a routine,” added Scott. “I think there’s a section of the audience who have moved across with me and it’s always nice to hear. There are people who text in or when you meet them, who say ‘Oh I used to listen to you on Radio 1’’ - it’s the same with Vernon Kay.”

Scott felt his position at the station cemented at the station’s annual Radio 2 in the Park festival, held in Leicester last year. Surrounded by listeners and the station's star-studded DJ line-up Scott said he finally felt he’d found his place.

“It felt really special to me. It was the first major thing I’d done here. I’d been on since November the year before but me and the other DJs hadn’t all got together in that time. That was the first event, the first time that I thought, ‘This is a flippin’ great place to work and everyone is amazing’. I had such a great time. I was drinking all the wines with Tony Blackburn, I was having an absolute blast with Michael Ball, who is hilarious, and hanging out with Owain Wyn Evans and Rylan Clark backstage. It was awesome.

“Everyone was lovely, and I’m not just saying it. I don’t get to see a lot of people because they are on weekends or they are on in the evening and it’s people I’ve known for years like Jo Whiley but I never see her. It really made me feel, as the new boy I guess, that I was finally part of the family.

“Every day is amazing here. It’s the best job. Radio 2 is just massive, it feels massive. It’s an honour and joy to be part of.”

Scott was called upon to cover Zoe Ball’s Breakfast show following the death of her mother earlier this year. Speaking in September, Soctt said the buzz of live radio was still worth the early starts.

“I get a buzz everyday. A 4am alarm is not that much fun, but when it comes to 6.30am and you start playing the opening music to the show I still get that thrill. The adrenalin is still there. It feels great to be on air every day.

“I’ve got more sensible as I’ve got older. I would go out and go straight into Radio 1 for early breakfast. But not anymore! You’ve got to prioritise sleep and exercise even when you feel like you can’t be bothered. It’s quite odd how quickly you adjust to early mornings if you have to.”

Discussing Scott's new role today, Zoe said: “Scott and I go way back to our Radio 1 days, when he was doing early mornings before me. He’s been a close friend for years, and I’m beyond thrilled it’s him taking over the Breakfast Show.

“Breakfast has always been his dream, and what a year he’s had – from racing around the world to his beautiful wedding to Sam. He’s not only a blooming brilliant producer but one of the best in radio. I can’t wait to tune in on the school run!”.