Zoe Ball has announced on BBC Radio 2 this morning (Tuesday, November 19) that she has decided to step down as presenter of her weekday Breakfast Show in December.

Ball joined BBC Radio 2 back in 2006.

In January 2019, she became the first woman to present the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, taking over from Chris Evans.

During her time at Radio 2, Zoe has interviewed some of the world's most popular entertainers, including Sir Michael Caine, Daniel Craig, Dame Judi Dench, Idris Elba, Hugh Grant, Chris Hemsworth and Kylie Minogue.

Zoe Balls to step down from BBC Radio 2 Breakfast show 

Now after nearly six years presenting the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, Ball has revealed she is stepping down.

Making the announcement on Tuesday (November 19) she said: "After six incredible years on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, it’s time for me to step away from the very early mornings and focus on family.

"It’s been a privilege. I think the world of you listeners and I’m grateful to my bosses here for their support, especially this year.

"Huge thanks go to my awesome team on the show, Tina, Mike and Richie, and of course our listeners, with whom I’ve shared some of life’s highs and lows, the good, the bad and the daft times."

When will Zoe Ball's last breakfast show be?

Ball continued: "My last show will be on Friday December 20, just in time for Christmas with plenty of fun and shenanigans."

BBC's highest paid stars 2023/24

Although Ball is leaving her breakfast show, she is not leaving BBC Radio 2.

She explained: "While I’m stepping away from the Breakfast Show, I’m not disappearing entirely – I’ll still be a part of the Radio 2 family, with more news in the New Year.

"I’m excited to embrace my next chapter, including being a mum in the mornings, and I can’t wait to tune in on the school run!”

RECOMMENDED READING:

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2 added: "Zoe has woken up the nation on Radio 2 with incredible warmth, wit and so much joy since January 2019, and I’d like to thank her for approaching each show with as much vim and vigour as if it were her first. I’m thrilled that that she'll remain an important part of the Radio 2 family."

Who will be new host of BBC Radio 2's breakfast show?

The new presenter of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show will be announced on today’s show, before 9.30am.