Zoe Ball was visibly moved as she enjoyed a farewell lunch with some of her BBC Radio 2 colleagues on Tuesday.
The popular DJ and television presenter, 54, was spotted dining at the upscale Langan’s Brasserie in London earlier this week, where the emotional broadcaster seemed to shed a tear amidst the festivities.
Despite the poignant moment, Zoe, who is the former wife of musician Fatboy Slim, was soon seen smiling broadly in photos obtained by the Mirror as she celebrated with her team one last time.
This sentimental gathering occurred just over a month after Zoe announced her departure from her Radio 2 role, a decision made public following her summer hiatus due to the passing of her mother Julia Peckham in April.
On Tuesday evening, however, Zoe appeared in great spirits, donning a chic all-black ensemble. She was accompanied by colleagues including Richie Anderson and Tina Daheley, who appeared to have presented her with a parting gift, evidenced by Zoe leaving the fancy restaurant with a large yellow Selfridges bag in hand.
Before leaving in a car, Zoe made sure to embrace her Radio 2 family warmly. Zoe, who is set to host her final show on Friday, shared with her listeners last month: “After six years of fun times alongside you all on the breakfast show, I’ve decided it’s time to step away from the early alarm call and start a new chapter.
“You know I think the world of you all, listeners, and it truly has been such a privilege to share the mornings with you, to go through life’s little ups and downs, we got through the lockdown together, didn’t we? We’ve shared a hell of a lot, the good times, the tough times, there’s been a lot of laughter. And I am going to miss you cats.”
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Zoe has had a varied career in television, including hosting Strictly Come Dancing’s companion show It Takes Two for the BBC from 2011 to 2020.
She’s also worked with other broadcasters, most recently hosting ITV talent show Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream last year and appearing on Channel 4’s Celebrity Gogglebox.
She first became a household name over three decades ago as a TV presenter, fronting shows like SMart, Live and Kicking and Top of the Pops in the 1990s. However, she also pursued opportunities as a radio host during that decade and in recent years has become known for her work on BBC Radio.
She’ll be replaced on Radio 2 by Scott Mills. Among those in the studio for Zoe’s final week was Robbie Williams, who congratulated her on her “service to entertainment. And she hinted at her next move when the Angels star said: “I know this is not the end completely for you.” The radio presenter joked: “Or is it? I’m taking up gardening. I’m going to work in a garden centre”.
He then amended his impromptu homage, expressing gratitude towards the DJ: “Well I just want to say thank you for your services SO FAR to the entertainment world, to BBC Radio 2, to all that have gone before you and will come after you, but to you in particular.”
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