Presenter Zoe Ball will join Greatest Hits Radio for a new afternoon show.
It comes weeks after Ball said she was dealing with “grief and rejection” after she missed out on the hosting job for BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The TV presenter, who previously hosted Strictly spin-off It Takes Two, was thought to be among the front runners to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman in the ballroom, but it was confirmed in May she had missed out on the hosting gig.
From September, she will front the station’s new programme, Zoe Ball In The Afternoon, on weekdays from 1pm-4pm, marking her first weekday radio slot since leaving the Radio 2 Breakfast show in 2024.
Ball said: “There’s something truly special about radio – the relationship you build with listeners, the energy, the music and the moments of joy and laughter you share together.
“I’ve missed it and this felt like the right time to begin a new chapter with Greatest Hits Radio.
“As a station, Greatest Hits Radio has built something really brilliant – epic music, big personalities and a genuine connection with listeners. I’m excited to be joining the team and getting started.”
Ball left Radio 2’s flagship breakfast show in 2024 before returning to a new Saturday afternoon slot on the station in May 2025, announcing her departure in December.
Alongside her new daily show, which promises big guests, listener chats and special features, Ball will continue to co-host the chart-topping Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley.
She follows in the footsteps of former Radio 2 presenter, Ken Bruce, who left for Greatest Hits Radio in 2023 after being on BBC radio for 46 years.
Revealing the news on air this morning, Bruce said: “From today I will no longer be the new boy here as he have a brand new recruit.
“And so for the next stage of our journey together, I am absolutely delighted and thrilled to say hello, good morning, and welcome to Greatest Hits Radio to you, Zoe Ball!”
Gary Stein, director of audio for Bauer media audio UK, praised Ball for being one of the UK’s most “talented and best-loved broadcasters” adding that she has an “extraordinary ability to connect with audiences” and “a real passion for great music”.
It was also announced today that broadcaster Kate Thornton is set to launch a new prime-time Saturday show on the station, alongside her UK Pop 40 show every Sunday, from September with Claire Sturgess taking over the weekend Breakfast show on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 6–9am.
Thornton said: “Zoe’s an incredible signing, an incredible broadcaster and a good friend.
“I’ll be first in line to welcome her to the Greatest Hits family and I’m really looking forward to working alongside her.”
Ball was the first woman to present the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show solo when her co-host Kevin Greening left the show in 1998.
She previously hosted the BBC Radio 2 Saturday afternoon slot and announced in December 2025 that she would be leaving in the new year.
Zoe Ball In The Afternoon will air weekdays at 1pm-4pm on Greatest Hits Radio from Monday September 7.
