The BBC has slashed its wage bill by default after its current highest-earning presenter, Zoe Ball, announced her departure from her regular Radio 2 slor over the weekend, following previous highesat earner Gary Lineker’s departure earlier this year in a social media storm, and number three earner Huw Edwards’s disgraced 2024 exit.
Speaking on the show, the 55-year-old said she would be replaced by broadcaster Emma Willis. Ball will present her last programme next Saturday, but will continue to host special programmes on the station.
“I have loved being betwixt my dear friends Romesh [Ranganathan] and Rylan [Clark], and you know, I love you all to bits, but I’m not disappearing completely,” she said.
“Obviously, it’ll be Christmas Crooners and I’m doing an eras show in the new year, more on that later.
“But I am thrilled to tell you that you will be in the safest of hands, because there is a superwoman who is no stranger to you all, but this does mean that she will officially become a member of the Radio 2 family.
“You’ll have loved her on The Voice, The Circle, Big Brother, Cooking with the Stars, Love Is blind and Delivering Babies, she’s a gorgeous lass, so welcome to the BBC Radio 2 family and Saturday afternoons, Emma Willis.”
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Ball was the second-highest paid BBC presenter after Lineker, having received £950,000 from April 2023 to 2024. She maintained the same position this year, though her wage dripped to about £510,000 after she stepped down from her Radio 2 Breakfast Show in late 2024 to focus on her family.
In a statement released by the BBC, Willis said: “I’m a huge fan of Radio 2, so I’m absolutely chuffed to be joining the family – and it’s a real honour to follow in the huge footsteps Zoe leaves behind, who’s someone I admire and adore.
“I’m very much looking forward to spending my Saturday lunchtimes with the Radio 2 audience and I’ll happily be the filling to a Romesh and Rylan sandwich!”
The head of Radio 2, Helen Thomas, said: “Emma is one of the UK’s most popular broadcasters, so I’m thrilled that she’s joining the all-star Radio 2 family of presenters. I’m certain that our loyal listeners will welcome her with open arms.
“I can’t wait to hear Emma’s new show as a part of our Superstar Saturday weekend schedule, which features Tony Blackburn, Dermot O’Leary, Romesh Ranganathan, Rylan, Liza Tarbuck, Gary Davies and Fearne Cotton.”
Ball will still be on the broadcaster’s airwaves. She is to present a new series of the award-winning podcast Eras for Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, focusing on the life and career of Phil Collins.
The show will launch on BBC Sounds on 19 January before being broadcast on Radio 2 on 25 January.
