First for women broadcasters as Zoe Ball takes on top slot in radio
ZOE BALL has been named the first female host of the Radio 2 Breakfast show, describing the position as “both an honour and privilege”.
The 47-year-old will replace Chris Evans, 52, on the UK’s most listened-to radio programme. She said she was not “underestimating the enormity of the task ahead”.
The
said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be following in the giant footsteps of Chris Evans as the host of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show.
“To be the first woman to present this very special show is both an honour and privilege.
“Believe me, I’m not underestimating the enormity of the task ahead, to follow not one but two of my broadcasting idols into such a well-loved show is somewhat daunting.
“But I hope, in the same way that Chris made this show his own after taking over from the wonderful Sir Terry Wogan, that, with a top team alongside me, I can bring the fabulous Radio 2 audience a show they want to wake up to.” Bob Shennan, director of BBC Radio and Music, said: “The Radio 2 Breakfast Show is arguably the most coveted job in UK radio with a long and illustrious history, and I’m thrilled that the baton is now passing to Zoe, who I know will make the show her very own.” Ball, the first solo female Radio 1 breakfast show host, was favourite to take over the highprofile role on Radio 2. She was at the forefront of the “ladette culture” that swept through broadcasting because of her hard-drinking party lifestyle.
She recently made a programme for Sport Relief following the loss of her partner, Billy Yates, who was found dead at his home at 40. BBC boss Lord Hall said the disclosure of Evans’ pay packet, of at least £1.6m, was one factor behind his decision to quit Radio 2. He is moving to Virgin Radio almost 20 years after he left the station.