After taking a well-deserved break to focus on family, Zoe Ball is back behind the mic—and fans couldn’t be happier.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the beloved broadcaster made her comeback on BBC Radio 2 with a brand-new weekend show, reconnecting with her audience and reflecting on just how far she’s come.
Zoe’s return to Radio 2 isn’t just any old comeback—it’s a full-circle moment.
“This is where it all began,” she shared warmly with listeners, remembering the early days when she was making teas and tidying up at the station.
A Warm Welcome and Some Heartfelt Nostalgia
Zoe, now 54, kicked off her new 1-3pm Saturday slot with a burst of energy, her signature humour, and a playlist packed with personal favourites.
The reception from fans was instant and full of love.
One listener summed it up best: “Great to have you back, Saturday afternoon is much better than waking up early!” Zoe read out fan messages on air, clearly touched by the warm welcome.
“It’s lovely to be here—thanks for all your messages,” she added with a smile.
Taking a Step Back to Focus on Family and Healing
Zoe’s new role comes just months after she stepped down from her weekday breakfast show in December 2024, leaving behind a huge salary and a demanding schedule. Her reason? Family first.
Earlier that year, Zoe lost her mother Julia to cancer—a devastating moment that inspired her to pause, reflect, and prioritize personal time.
She told listeners that it was the right time to be with the people who matter most.
Exciting New Projects Still on the Horizon
But make no mistake—Zoe’s not disappearing from the spotlight completely.
Alongside her new weekly radio slot, she’ll also be fronting two major BBC specials, including a celebratory TV show honouring musical legend Elaine Paige’s 60 years in showbiz.
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, expressed her excitement: “Zoe is one of the UK’s most loved presenters… I’m thrilled she’s back with a new home on Saturdays, and she’ll be involved in special projects throughout the year.”
From Party Life to Peaceful Puzzles—A New Era for Zoe and Norman
Meanwhile, her son Woody Cook—musician and reality TV star—has been giving fans a peek into how Zoe and ex-husband Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim) have been adjusting to their slower-paced lifestyle.
Once known as a wild, party-loving couple, the pair have been embracing quiet hobbies like gardening, doing puzzles, and even helping out at Norman’s café in Hove.
“It’s funny watching my crazy party parents turn into chill gardeners,” Woody joked.
Reconnecting as a Family After Years on Opposite Schedules
One of the biggest wins of Zoe’s career shift? More time with her son.
Woody explained how difficult it had been to cross paths with his mum while she was working the early morning shift and he was DJing late into the night.
“We were on opposite schedules. I’d be coming home when she was waking up.
So now, it’s amazing to see her more,” he shared. “I think it’s going to bring everyone together more.”
Bonding Over Loss and Moving Forward Together
The Ball-Cook family has been through a lot recently.
Alongside the loss of Zoe’s mum, Woody revealed that his paternal grandmother also passed away on Christmas Day.
These back-to-back tragedies have only made them tighter as a family.
“Last year made all of us remember how much we treasure everyone in our lives,” Woody said. “It’s brought us closer.”
Looking Ahead—With Love, Music, and New Beginnings
Despite everything, Zoe’s not ready to completely slow down.
She still has projects in the pipeline and is soaking up the freedom to enjoy the little things she’d once put off—like spending time in New York with Woody while he worked on music.
“She’s great,” Woody beamed. “And we’re more of a family unit now than we’ve ever been.”
So, while Zoe Ball may have swapped red carpets and 4am alarms for Saturday playlists and garden gloves, she’s still very much Zoe—radiant, resilient, and ready for whatever comes next.
After taking a well-deserved break to focus on family, Zoe Ball is back behind the mic—and fans couldn’t be happier.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the beloved broadcaster made her comeback on BBC Radio 2 with a brand-new weekend show, reconnecting with her audience and reflecting on just how far she’s come.
Zoe’s return to Radio 2 isn’t just any old comeback—it’s a full-circle moment.
“This is where it all began,” she shared warmly with listeners, remembering the early days when she was making teas and tidying up at the station.
A Warm Welcome and Some Heartfelt Nostalgia
Zoe, now 54, kicked off her new 1-3pm Saturday slot with a burst of energy, her signature humour, and a playlist packed with personal favourites.
The reception from fans was instant and full of love.
One listener summed it up best: “Great to have you back, Saturday afternoon is much better than waking up early!” Zoe read out fan messages on air, clearly touched by the warm welcome.
“It’s lovely to be here—thanks for all your messages,” she added with a smile.
Taking a Step Back to Focus on Family and Healing
Zoe’s new role comes just months after she stepped down from her weekday breakfast show in December 2024, leaving behind a huge salary and a demanding schedule. Her reason? Family first.
Earlier that year, Zoe lost her mother Julia to cancer—a devastating moment that inspired her to pause, reflect, and prioritize personal time.
She told listeners that it was the right time to be with the people who matter most.
Exciting New Projects Still on the Horizon
But make no mistake—Zoe’s not disappearing from the spotlight completely.
Alongside her new weekly radio slot, she’ll also be fronting two major BBC specials, including a celebratory TV show honouring musical legend Elaine Paige’s 60 years in showbiz.
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, expressed her excitement: “Zoe is one of the UK’s most loved presenters… I’m thrilled she’s back with a new home on Saturdays, and she’ll be involved in special projects throughout the year.”
From Party Life to Peaceful Puzzles—A New Era for Zoe and Norman
Meanwhile, her son Woody Cook—musician and reality TV star—has been giving fans a peek into how Zoe and ex-husband Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim) have been adjusting to their slower-paced lifestyle.
Once known as a wild, party-loving couple, the pair have been embracing quiet hobbies like gardening, doing puzzles, and even helping out at Norman’s café in Hove.
“It’s funny watching my crazy party parents turn into chill gardeners,” Woody joked.
Reconnecting as a Family After Years on Opposite Schedules
One of the biggest wins of Zoe’s career shift? More time with her son.
Woody explained how difficult it had been to cross paths with his mum while she was working the early morning shift and he was DJing late into the night.
“We were on opposite schedules. I’d be coming home when she was waking up.
So now, it’s amazing to see her more,” he shared. “I think it’s going to bring everyone together more.”
Bonding Over Loss and Moving Forward Together
The Ball-Cook family has been through a lot recently.
Alongside the loss of Zoe’s mum, Woody revealed that his paternal grandmother also passed away on Christmas Day.
These back-to-back tragedies have only made them tighter as a family.
“Last year made all of us remember how much we treasure everyone in our lives,” Woody said. “It’s brought us closer.”
Looking Ahead—With Love, Music, and New Beginnings
Despite everything, Zoe’s not ready to completely slow down.
She still has projects in the pipeline and is soaking up the freedom to enjoy the little things she’d once put off—like spending time in New York with Woody while he worked on music.
“She’s great,” Woody beamed. “And we’re more of a family unit now than we’ve ever been.”
So, while Zoe Ball may have swapped red carpets and 4am alarms for Saturday playlists and garden gloves, she’s still very much Zoe—radiant, resilient, and ready for whatever comes next.
