Zoe Ball is set to join Greatest Hits Radio as the new presenter of the weekday afternoon show, beginning 7 September 2026. This marks her return to a regular weekday radio slot following her departure from the Radio 2 Breakfast Show in 2024, where she served for nearly six years, and her exit from the station’s Saturday afternoon programme last year.

Ball will take over the 1pm to 4pm weekday slot, replacing Kate Thornton, who will move to host a new prime-time show on Saturdays. The appointment was announced through a promotional video featuring former Radio 2 colleagues Simon Mayo and Ken Bruce, highlighting the transition from the BBC to Greatest Hits Radio.

Speaking about the new role, Ball emphasized the unique connection radio fosters between presenters and listeners, saying she had missed that interaction and viewed the move as an opportunity to begin a new chapter in her career. She described radio as a medium filled with “energy, music, and moments of joy and laughter.”

Greatest Hits Radio’s Content Director, Andy Ashton, welcomed Ball to the station, calling her “an incredible signing” and a “good friend.” Thornton also expressed her support, praising Ball as a talented broadcaster.

Ball was one of the highest-paid stars at the BBC, earning between £515,000 and £519,999 annually. Earlier this year, she auditioned to co-host Strictly Come Dancing, though the roles ultimately went to Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe.

Listeners can expect the new afternoon show to feature a dynamic mix of notable guests, listener interactions, and special segments, continuing Ball’s reputation for engaging radio presenting. The move reflects increasing competition among UK radio stations for established talent and audience share.