Zoe Ball steps down from Radio 2 weekend show, Emma Willis to take over

Emma Willis is to host the Saturday lunchtime show on BBC Radio 2 after Zoe Ball deciding to stand down.

This comes just seven months after Zoe launched the show after stepping down from the station’s Breakfast Show last year. She announced her decision to leave her weekend show on air on Saturday.

Her final show will be next Saturday, 20 December but she will continue to host specials on the station, as she has done throughout this year.

Zoe says: “Spending Saturday lunchtimes with the Radio 2 gang has been an absolute hoot, the listeners, the stories, and of course my weekly giggles with Romesh and Rylan.

“I’m over the moon for the fabulous Emma to take the reins, she’s pure sunshine and is going to bring all the joy (and tunes!) to your Saturdays.”

Emma is no stranger to radio having hosted Sunday mornings on Heart Radio with Stephen Mulhern for six years and has regularly presented on Radio 2 since 2019, deputising for Sara Cox on weekday afternoons and for Romesh Ranganathan and Claudia Winkleman on Saturdays.

Speaking about her new show, Emma says: “I’m a huge fan of Radio 2, so I’m absolutely chuffed to be joining the family – and it’s a real honour to follow in the huge footsteps Zoe leaves behind, who’s someone I admire and adore.

“I’m very much looking forward to spending my Saturday lunchtimes with the Radio 2 audience and I’ll happily be the filling to a Romesh and Rylan sandwich!”

Head of BBC Radio 2, Helen Thomas thanked Zoe for her much-loved contribution to Saturday lunchtimes and says she will remain a valued part of the Radio 2 family.

“She also welcomed Emma as a major new addition to Radio 2, saying listeners will embrace her and looking forward to her joining the Superstar Saturday schedule alongside the station’s established presenters.