Friday’s broadcast marked the end of an era as Zoe Ball bid farewell to her position as the host of BBC Radio 2’s breakfast show, after six years of her unique charm on air.
Overcome with emotion during her last sign-off, a tearful Zoe expressed her gratitude: “I’m full of feels…” She continued by showing immense appreciation for her team: “I adore you all. Thanks to all of you who have sent in questions and played along with the quiz… special shoutout to my friend Jo.”
Encouraging her friend to “keep championing” the music, she also named the entire crew reports the Mirror, warmly adding: “I love you all and I’m going to miss you loads. Shine on you crazy diamonds.”
In her last address, Zoe proudly acknowledged her BBC listeners: “Thank you for tuning in, whether as a lone listener, as family, as a work Gang on your morning jogs, dog walks, truck drives, train commutes, or hiding in bed, it’s been a real privilege to keep you company through your morning manoeuvres. You’re just there and I’m just here having a chat with a mate. It’s such a special, intimate relationship.
“It’s never lost on me that we’ve been through life’s little highs and little lows together. I really do hope that we’ve managed to bring some sunshine and light when you’ve most needed it. A daft distraction from the hardest stuff. I’ve been bowled over by your messages, texts, emails, cards and letters across the years. Thank you for sharing with me your stories of love and loss, your baby news, your kids leaving home. Together, listeners, there’s been much laughter, some silliness, a few tears, lots of singing, and there has been dancing. May there always be dancing.”
She continued, “Dear Scott will look after you in the new year. He’s one of the good ones. You can have a lot of fun together, and I’ll see you in the spring, popping up here on Radio 2 for new adventures, as the song says, You give a little love and it all comes back to you. Well, I’ve most definitely felt that love from your listeners. I feel very lucky to have been here. I sent buckets of love out to you and your dear ones this Christmas. It’s been very special. Take care of yourselves, lovely peeps, my top cats.”
Zoe then played her final song on the station – Kim Wilde’s Keeping The Dream Alive. Just moments earlier, highlights from her career were aired on the show, showcasing her first-ever broadcast segment, exclusive interviews with mega-celebrities, as well as touching words from her son.
This heartfelt trip down memory lane stirred deep emotions among her production crew who were visibly moved to tears. She responded to the rapturous applause and affection with her voice breaking amid sobs: “Oh my goodness me. And this is for everyone who listened and this whole team in the room and my kids of course. Do I love you? Indeed I do.”
Previously, she had conveyed that she was experiencing “all the emotions” while receiving unexpected accolades from admirers and celebrity pals including Kylie Minogue and Oti Mabuse.
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At the outset of the show, amidst an atmosphere charged with sentiment, she admitted that the entire crew had convened for her swansong, saying: “We’ve had some tears already. We don’t quite know what to do with ourselves this morning, do we? I’ve come in and I suddenly can’t remember how to press the button.”
She later joyously confessed she “couldn’t be happier” to pass the baton to Scott Mills come the new year. The news of Scott stepping in came on the heels of Zoe’s summer hiatus, a period shadowed by grief after the loss of her mother earlier in the year.
Zoe made it known on air last month that her tenure on the show was nearing its finale. But she ensured listeners at the time: “I’m not going to be a stranger, I’m staying in the Radio 2 crew and family because it’s an amazing family.”
She graced the airwaves for the first time on January 14, 2019. She marked her final broadcast by playing a selection of her standout moments amassed over the years.
The radio presenter will bid farewell to her slot, with her mate Scott Mills set to fill in starting the new year. Speaking back in November about his new role, Scott said: “Zoe and I have been such good friends now for over 25 years and have spent much of that time as part of the same radio family here at Radio 2 and also on Radio 1. She’s done an incredible job on this show over the past six years, and I am beyond excited to be handed the baton.”
He continued, “It feels ever since recording my first shows as a kid for an audience of one, my mum, all roads since have led to this amazing opportunity. It really is a lifelong dream come true to follow in the footsteps of Sir Terry, Chris and Zoe to be the new presenter of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show.”
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