Zoe Ball could be returning to television in a new family project that spans three generations.
The Radio 2 presenter, 54, is reportedly being lined up to host an educational series created by her father, veteran broadcaster Johnny Ball.
The 87-year-old, who rose to fame through his work making mathematics accessible to children, is developing a new show focused on the history of maths — and he’s keen for his daughter and grandson, DJ Woody Cook, 24, to join him on screen.
The trio, who previously turned down an offer to appear together on Celebrity Race Across the World, are said to be at the heart of the project, which will explore mathematical breakthroughs and ideas across the ages — framed through the perspective of three generations of the same family.
Speaking to The Sun, Johnny said the show is inspired by the first six chapters of his book Wonders Beyond Numbers.
He shared: “The material can be honed down to the essentials, so that anyone could present it in a light and transparent way.
“This is why I believe myself, Zoe and my grandson Woody could add all what each age group requires to make it a fascinating and revealing series.”
It wouldn’t be the first time Zoe and Woody have shared the screen — the pair previously appeared together on Celebrity Gogglebox.
The news comes after the broadcaster revealed she is grappling with a new health issue just weeks after making her Radio 2 comeback.
Last month, Zoe told listeners she has been diagnosed with bursitis, a condition that causes swelling and pain around the joints.
“Yes, it’s come to that,” she told her audience, describing the latest flare-up. “Fifty-four and I got bursitis.”
Bursitis, which involves inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons and muscles, is often brought on by overuse or injury. While the condition typically clears within a few weeks, it can be extremely painful.
Despite the discomfort, Ball is pushing on with her fitness goals and told listeners she has been training with her personal coach, Seth, in a bid to improve her strength.
“Thank you to Seth,” she said. “I found out I’ve got a… what is it? A rating of… was it a four or five on the fitness level?
“I was quite impressed with myself - out of, I think it’s nine or ten. You’ve gotta start somewhere, haven’t you?”
Zoe stepped away from her weekday breakfast slot late last year due to personal health concerns, including a bout of TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), which affects the jaw.
