Zoe Ball has given an unexpected career update.
The 54-year-old is set to co-host a new podcast with long-time friend and fellow broadcaster Jo Whiley, marking their first official project together in over 30 years of parallel careers.
The as-yet-untitled show, produced by Persephonica, will launch next month with two new episodes released each week, plus bonus content for subscribers. It will also be available to watch on YouTube and will occasionally feature special guests.
Described as unscripted and off-the-cuff, the podcast will see the duo tackle the ups and downs of everyday life — from family chaos and ageing to grief, gardening, music obsessions and what’s for dinner.
The move comes after a difficult year for Ball, who made headlines last year after disappearing from the Radio 2 airwaves for several weeks due to illness. Though details were kept private at the time, her extended absence sparked concern among fans. Upon her return, Ball confirmed she would be stepping down from the Radio 2 Breakfast Show — a role she had held for six years and made history with as its first female host — to prioritise her health and personal life.
Announcing the new venture, Ball said she was “so super-excited to dive into the world of podcasting” with Whiley, adding: “I’ve got so much love and respect for her – she’s been a true lifeline. Our friendship goes back 30 years, to our days on The Word and The Big Breakfast. We’ve grown up together, personally and professionally, along with our listeners.”
She described the show as “what happens when two mates (who are constantly mistaken for each other) hit record on their regular catch-ups and talk life, unfiltered and full volume. We’re chatting about our week, wild kids, ageing, what’s for dinner, digging (literally), music obsessions, grief and everything in between. No scripts, no gloss, just real talk, real laughs and a bit of beautiful mayhem. We’ll be answering your questions too, so buckle up. It’s going to be a blast.”
Whiley, who continues to present her evening show on Radio 2, said: “I’ve been part of some amazing duos over the years, but I’m not sure any will quite compare to this new adventure. Starting a podcast with one of my oldest broadcasting friends (and let’s face it, doppelgänger), Zoe, is SO exciting! The show will open a world of conversation on topics we don’t normally discuss on air and, importantly, will bring us much closer to the listeners and fans who have made our careers so special over the last 30 years.”
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