BBC Radio 2's new Breakfast Show presenter confirmed as Scott Mills after Zoe Ball quits

Scott Mills is set to take over the iconic Radio 2 Breakfast Show, moving from his current afternoon slot of 2pm to 4pm. This follows Zoe Ball's on-air announcement that she will be stepping down after six years, but will remain with the station.

Scott, 51, expressed his excitement about taking over from Zoe, saying: "Zoe and I have been such good friends now for over 25 years and have spent much of that time as part of the same radio family here at Radio 2 and also on Radio 1."

He added: "She's done an incredible job on this show over the past six years, and I am beyond excited to be handed the baton. It feels ever since recording my first shows as a kid for an audience of one, my mum, all roads since have led to this amazing opportunity."

He concluded by saying: "It really is a lifelong dream come true to follow in the footsteps of Sir Terry, Chris and Zoe to be the new presenter of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show."

Zoe also expressed her delight that Scott will be her successor, stating: "Scott and I go way back to our Radio 1 days, when he was doing early mornings before me. He's been a close friend for years, and I'm beyond thrilled it's him taking over the Breakfast Show."

"Breakfast has always been his dream, and what a year he's had – from racing around the world to his beautiful wedding to Sam. He's not only a blooming brilliant producer but one of the best in radio. I can't wait to tune in on the school run."

After six years on the programme, Zoe, 53, expressed her readiness to leave behind the early morning starts, desiring a more leisurely lifestyle and more time with her family. She announced her departure to listeners just after 8am today, mentioning she will remain with Radio 2, though her new show's details are to be disclosed in the New Year.

In a live on-air announcement, Zoe shared: "After six incredible years on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, it's time for me to step away from the very early mornings and focus on family. It's been a privilege."

"I think the world of you listeners and I'm grateful to my bosses here for their support, especially this year. Huge thanks go to my awesome team on the show, Tina, Mike and Richie, and of course our listeners, with whom I've shared some of life's highs and lows, the good, the bad and the daft times."

"My last show will be on Friday December 20, just in time for Christmas with plenty of fun and shenanigans. While I'm stepping away from the Breakfast Show, I'm not disappearing entirely – I'll still be a part of the Radio 2 family, with more news in the New Year. I'm excited to embrace my next chapter, including being a mum in the mornings, and I can't wait to tune in on the school run."

Thanking her listeners she said: "We got through the lockdown together didn't we? We've shared a hell of a lot, the good times, the tough times, it's been a lot of laughter and I am going to miss you cats."

Zoe said she would miss her whole team who have "become like family to me".

She added: "I won't miss the 4am alarm call, if I'm completely honest. My last breakfast show will be on 20th December then it's high kicks all the way to Christmas. I"m got going to be a stranger I'm staying with the Radio 2 crew, and I'll have more news on that in the New Year. ".

Zoe first joined BBC Radio in October 1997 as the co-host of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show with co-presenter Kevin Greening. From October 1998 to March 2000, Zoe hosted the programme solo, the first woman to do so, reports the Mirror.

She joined Radio 2 in 2006, presenting documentaries and programmes around the schedule. From 2009 to 2012, Zoe presented the Saturday early morning breakfast show, returning permanently to Radio 2 in 2017 as the host of the Saturday afternoon show (3-6pm).

In 2018, Zoe took on The Hardest Ride Home Challenge for Sport Relief, a gruelling five-day cycle from her birthplace of Blackpool to her much-loved hometown of Brighton. This impressive feat raised over £1.1m for the charity.

In January 2019, Zoe made history by becoming the first woman to host the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, taking the reins from Chris Evans. During her tenure at Radio 2, she has had the pleasure of interviewing a host of world-renowned entertainers, including Sir Michael Caine, Daniel Craig, Dame Judi Dench, Idris Elba, Hugh Grant, Chris Hemsworth and Kylie Minogue.