Zoe Ball says presenting Radio 2 breakfast show has been ‘absolute privilege’
Zoe Ball ended her final show by saying it was an “absolute privilege” to host the Channel 2 breakfast show.
The 54-year-old announce her departure In November, he said that after “six incredible years” it was “time to step away from the early mornings and focus on my family”.
In her closing remarks, Ball thanked everyone who has worked on the show since 2019, saying she will miss them dearly.
“It’s such a gift to be able to host this show…it’s so cool to be the first girl to host and I won’t be the last – remember girls, you can do anything,” she said.
“To the biggest stars of our breakfast show, listeners, young and old and everyone in between, thank you for listening, whether as a lone listener, as a family, as a work group, on your morning jog, walking the dog, Truck driving, train commuting or hiding in bed, it’s a real privilege to be with you through your morning drills.
“You were there and I was here, talking to my friends, and it was such a special, intimate relationship that I will never forget.
“We all go through little highs and lows in life and I really hope that we can bring some sunshine and light to you when you need it most and take your mind off those difficult things.
“I have been blown away by your messages, texts, emails, cards and letters over the years. Thank you for sharing your story with me.”
Ball said she will return to Radio 2 in the spring, but details of her next show have yet to be announced.
“As the song says, you give a little love and it all comes back to you. Well, I’m definitely feeling the love from you listeners. I’m so lucky to be here. I’m sending you a bucket of love this Christmas Festival you dear.
“Take care of yourselves, sweet little ones, my top cats.”
‘An incredible six years’
Stars including Kylie Minogue and David Tennant paid tribute to Ball throughout the show.
In a pre-recorded message, singer Minogue said: “Thank you for six incredible years. The country loves you, I love you, and every time I go to see you, it’s so much fun.”
“We were dancing around the studio, you, me and your amazing production team, shout out to them… this is all happening to you Zoe.”
Minogue concluded: “Zoe, I wish you success in love, happiness, and everything else you want moving forward… We love you.”
Ball’s on-air colleagues Mike Williams, Richie Anderson and Tina Daheli also paid tribute to her.
Other Radio 2 personalities including Jeremy Vine, Dermot O’Leary, Sara Cox, Jo Whiley, Vernon Kay, Rylan Clark and Trevor Nelson also sent their well wishes.
When she kicked off the show on Friday, Ball delivered several adapted lines from “One Day More” from the musical “Les Misérables.”
“Another day, another fate, my last show, ZB – just kidding, I’m not going to sing, let’s do some Daft Punk,” she said.
She then played “One More Time” by the French electronic duo before reading out a message from a man who said he was driving home early for Christmas so he could listen to her final set show.
Doctor Who star David Tennant and other stars paid their respects in a series of voice messages.
“You have been so great over the past six years and the entire country will miss you,” the actor said. “(You) are the best person to have breakfast with. Thank you for having me on your show so many times and pissing you off.”
Speaking about the “pause for reflection,” the Rev. Kate Botley told Ball: “It’s time for you to leave this particular gathering and everyone needs to make some adjustments.
“But we know you and you will continue to shine and light up the rest of the room…Thank you for keeping this special party going, especially on those days when you don’t feel like dancing.”
During the show, Ball paid tribute to former Radio 2 presenter Steve Wright. who died in February.
She said: “We miss you darling but your magic is always with us and thank you so much for being a wonderful broadcaster and a friend to all us broadcasters.”
Ball will be replaced by Scott Mills, who will depart from his January PM position.
Mills was one of the Radio 2 DJs who sent the message for Ball’s final show.
“You were a friend to us, a friend to all of us, and especially over the past few years, you extended your arm when we really needed it,” he said.
“And you make it look easy too, so there’s no pressure!”
In addition to the tribute, Ball’s final show included children calling in to speak to Santa Claus who was in the studio with her.
last month, ball revealed She was treated for a jaw disorder called temporomandibular joint disorder, which she said left her waking up with “splitting headaches.”
In 2019, Ball became the station’s first full-time female breakfast host, succeeding Chris Evans.
she took six weeks rest Following spring break, summer shows her mother’s death.
When she announced her departure last month, she said she would remain on the “Channel 2 staff” and promised to provide more details in the New Year on what that would involve.
She promised her final show would be “just in time for Christmas” and full of fun and mischief.
“Transformative”
Earlier this week, Ball held back tears when Robbie Williams delivered a heartfelt message to her on her show.
Williams said: “I just want to say thank you for what you have done so far in the entertainment industry, at BBC Radio 2, and all those who have come before you and come after you.”
“But especially for you, the transformative things you did and the kindness you showed were important and have always been important and will be important in people’s lives in the future, so congratulations.”
The tearful DJ responded: “Robbie, I love you so much.”
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Ball also co-hosted Saturday morning children’s television show Live & Kicking in 1998, becoming the first female presenter of a Radio 1 breakfast show.
Ball’s Radio 2 show is the most listened to breakfast show in the UK.
But her audience dropped from 9 million when she started to 6.28 million this summer, according to Rajar’s industry data.
She is listed as the BBC’s highest-paid female live presenter for 2023/24, with a salary of between £950,000 and £954,999, placing her second behind outgoing Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker (Gary Lineker).
