Zoe Ball joins Greatest Hits Radio
Zoe Ball is launching an afternoon show on Greatest Hits Radio from September.
Zoe Ball has joined Greatest Hits Radio.
The 55-year-old broadcaster is launching a 1pm to 4pm weekday show, featuring chats with guests and listeners, on September 7.
It comes after she quit the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show after six years in December 2024 to focus on her family, and her Saturday afternoon show at the station a year later.
Zoe said in a statement: "There’s something truly special about radio - the relationship you build with listeners, the energy, the music and the moments of joy and laughter you share together.
"I've missed it, and this felt like the right time to begin a new chapter with Greatest Hits Radio.
"As a station, Greatest Hits Radio has built something really brilliant - epic music, big personalities and a genuine connection with listeners. I’m excited to be joining the team and getting started."
Greatest Hits Radio revealed Zoe's signing in a trailer inspired by the BBC's The Traitors.
Her former BBC Radio 2 colleagues Ken Bruce, 75, and Simon Mayo, 67, who front Greatest Hits Radio's mid-morning and Drivetime shows, respectively, stood in the station's studio dressed in cloaks before they lowered their hoods.
Simon said: "Well, Ken, I never thought we'd get anyone else from the old place."
Ken added: "Less of the 'old' please, Simon."
Simon continued: "I came to your welcoming party, but I don't remember anything like this when I joined."
Ken responded: "You'll always be the OG, though."
Simon quipped: "I have no idea what that means," before adding: "But anyway, I hope they enjoy our note."
The clip cut to a mysterious person, also dressed in a cloak, reading Ken and Simon's letter before the unknown figure walked down a candle-lit corridor as a voiceover said: "We now need you to take the Greatest Hits Radio oath."
After agreeing to "only play the best of the 70s, 80s, and 90s" and "join the nation in stopping for PopMaster", they knocked at the door, prompting Ken to say: "Oh! They're here. Are you ready?"
He, Simon and the figure had their hoods up as the latter entered the room, before the trio dropped theirs, revealing Zoe as the latest recruit at Greatest Hits Radio.
As they all smiled, she said: "I couldn't let you two have all the fun, could I?"
Of Zoe's signing, Gary Stein, director of audio for Bauer Media Audio UK, said: "Zoe is one of the UK’s most talented and best-loved broadcasters.
"She has an extraordinary ability to connect with audiences, a real passion for great music and we’re delighted she’s chosen to join Greatest Hits Radio."
Zoe will continue to co-host the Dig It podcast with 60-year-old Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley.
Also in September, Kate Thornton, 53, is launching a prime-time Saturday show, alongside her UK Pop 40 Sunday show, and Claire Sturgess, 59, is fronting the weekend Breakfast show.
Kate said: "Zoe’s an incredible signing, an incredible broadcaster and a good friend. I’ll be first in line to welcome her to the Greatest Hits Family, and I’m really looking forward to working alongside her!"
Andy Ashton, Greatest Hits Radio Content Director, added: "I could not be more thrilled to welcome Zoe to the Greatest Hits Radio family.
"The whole team are buzzing that another world-class broadcaster will be part of our daytime line-up every weekday. Zoe and the team are already working on the new show, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone.
"Roll on September 7th, and another huge moment for Greatest Hits Radio as the nation tunes in to hear Zoe hit play on her first song!"
