Zoe Ball addresses overwhelming reaction to BBC Radio 2 exit with message for Scott Mills

This Morning: Dermot O'Leary pays tribute to 'trailblazer' Zoe Ball

Zoe Ball has broken her silence after announcing that she was stepping down from BBC Radio 2. Earlier today (Tuesday 19 November), she told BBC listeners this morning that she has decided to step down from the Radio 2 Breakfast Show.

Taking to Instagram, she uploaded a photo of the cartoon Snoopy holding a heart-shaped balloon, which said: "really touched,thanks for the messages. thrilled for my mates Scott Trevor Spoony & Sophie @bbcradio2."

The 53-year-old presenter has fronted the show since 2018, but she will step down on December 20 to "focus on family".

Speaking on air on Tuesday (19.11.24) morning, she said: "After six incredible years on the 'Radio 2 Breakfast Show', it’s time for me to step away from the very early mornings and focus on family.

"It’s been a privilege. I think the world of you listeners and I’m grateful to my bosses here for their support, especially this year."

Zoe Ball has thanked her fans for their kind messages (Image: Getty)

Many of her followers flooded the comments section with words of support. One fan wrote: "So sad to see you go, you're the reason I made the switch from Radio One, suddenly I fitted back in! Thank you for making me laugh such a lot and enjoy your mornings again."

A second also chimed in: "There is only one person who I would like to hear in the mornings if it wasn’t you and That would be Scott mills ! Result. Enjoy your family time."

A third said: "We’ll miss you Zoe… but wishing you all the very best & thanks for making mornings so lovely to wake up to…! X."

Zoe insisted she won't be gone "entirely" from the network, with some news coming in 2025. She will be replaced by Scott Mills, who has previously fronted the afternoon weekday programme.

He said: "Zoe and I have been such good friends now for over 25 years and have spent much of that time as part of the same radio family here at Radio 2 and also on Radio 1.

"She's done an incredible job on this show over the past six years, and I am beyond excited to be handed the baton.

“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.”