As a trailblazing broadcaster, Zoe Ball is admired by many - but things haven't always been easy for the celebrated star.
The radio presenter, who has today announced her shock departure from her Radio 2 Breakfast Show, previously opened up about how her life has been affected by a widely misunderstood condition. Earlier this year, Zoe, 53, suffered a 'meltdown' while filming Taskmaster’s New Year Treat, after she and fellow celeb guests Deborah Meaden, Kojey Radical, Lenny Rush, and Steve Backshall were given a task that involved timing - something that is not Zoe's strong suit.
While on the show, Radio 2 legend Zoe, who was last year diagnosed with Attention-defecit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) confessed: "So, a particular task involved a bit of timing, which is maths, which is, again, not a strength, I physically started to melt down. That did hurt my head."
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts a person's concentration abilities and behaviour, and may cause them to experience hyperactivity, restlessness and difficulties sleeping. This condition may present differently in girls and women, who have historically been misdiagnosed or completely overlooked.
According to the NHS, girls are more likely to exhibit inattentiveness only, and are less likely to show disruptive behaviour, meaning their symptoms may be more and could well be missed. Those with ADHD may also be forgetful and struggle to carry out instructions, and have difficulties sticking to tasks and organising their work.
Speaking exclusively about her diagnosis with the Mirror in December 2023, Zoe explained her difficulties completing tasks which may well appear simple to others, admitting: "My brain is just all over the goddamn shop." Mum-of-two Zoe added: "I am ADHD.
"My son [Woody] and I are both, we’re quite similar. I make myself laugh sometimes, because if I’m in a small space and I’ve got loads of tasks to do, I can cover so many miles. My family, they laugh because they’ll find things of mine in certain places and they’re like, ‘If you follow this, you’ll see what Mum was trying to achieve'.
"I have 18 pairs of glasses and I will still lose all of them… my brain is just all over the goddamn shop. So a particular task involved a bit of timing, which is maths, which is, again, not a strength, I physically started to melt down. That did hurt my head.”
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Instagram/woody_cook)In a statement made to loyal listeners this morning, Zoe revealed that the time had come to 'start a new chapter' after six years of early starts, while clarifying she would continue working with Radio 2 in some capacity. Zoe said: "Ok 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, we got through the lockdown together, didn't we?
"We've shared a hell of a lot, the good times, the tough times, there's been a lot of laughter. And I am going to miss you cats. I'm going to miss my amazing Prod Squad who I adore. Already missing Mike, I'm going to miss Tina and Richie. They've all become like family to me, like you lot. But I won't miss the 4am alarm call, if I'm completely honest. So my last Breakfast show will be with you on the 20th of December and then its high kicks all the way to Christmas, gang.
"I'm not going to be a stranger, I'm staying in the Radio 2 crew and family because it's an amazing family - as we saw last week with Paddy's fantastic Children in Need challenge- and I'll have more news on that in the New Year. I just want to say I'm so grateful to my incredible boss ladies, to Helen and Laura and Lorna and Fiona, they have always been so supportive of me especially in this job and particularly this year, so thank you ladies.
"Now of course it leaves us with a big question, who is going to wake you up in the mornings? Well the good news is you don't have to wait very long to find out. I am going to reveal the brand new host of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show on this show this morning . But for now, know I love you all to bits and this song from Supertramp seemed like a good one to play.”
An inspiration for many women in the field of broadcasting, Zoe made history as the first female host of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show in 1998, holding the post until 2000. After joining Radio 2 in 2006, Zoe paved the way again in January 2019, by becoming the first woman to present the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, a post previously held by Chris Evans. She will now be stepping down after December 20, with fellow radio veteran Scott Mills stepping into her shoes.
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Scott, 51, has stated tha he is “beyond excited” to be take up the gig after Zoe's deparure. He told fans: “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.”
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