Zoe Ball lands new TV role after quitting BBC Radio 2 show
Zoe Ball is set to make a return to TV just months after she revealed she was stepping down from her breakfast show on BBC Radio 2.
Ball quit her Radio 2 breakfast show role in December last year, replaced earlier this year by Scott Mills.
The 54-year-old had been in the role for six years, but said it was time to step away so she could "focus on family".
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Ball, at the time, added: "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."
It came after a tough 2024 for the radio presenter who was forced to take time away from BBC Radio 2 after her mother, Julia, was "heartbreakingly" diagnosed with cancer before succumbing to the disease in April.
Zoe Ball to return to BBC Radio 2 in May
Ball will return to BBC Radio 2 in May 2025.
She will broadcast a new show from 1pm to 3pm on Saturdays, replacing Mark Goodier's Pick Of The Pops which will move to Sundays.
Zoe Ball to make TV return on BBC special
But now Ball has also landed a new TV role on the BBC.
The broadcaster revealed she will host VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember, which will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Thursday, May 8 from 8pm until 10pm.
📢 BBC One presents VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember live from Horse Guards Parade
Zoe Ball will present a spectacular live concert marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day on Thursday 8 May
More ➡️ https://t.co/373yhQDWmF pic.twitter.com/SXqQPUhPTj
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) April 24, 2025
The BBC special will be broadcast live from the Horse Guards Parade in London and is set to feature performances from the likes of:
Samantha Barks
Fleur East
John Newman
Freya Ridings
Calum Scott
The Darkness
Toploader
Tom Walker
Strictly Come Dancing professionals: Amy Dowden, Carlos Gu, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, Lauren Oakley, and Kai Widdrington, will also take to the stage as part of the BBC event.
VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember will also include appearances from award-winning performers, Mary Berry and audiences will also be able to enjoy a "nostalgic" revival of Dad's Army.
Throughout the evening, veterans and wartime heroes will reflect on their experiences of VE Day, sharing stories of love, resilience and the joy of peace after years of conflict.
All the bank holidays in 2025
Ball said: "I'm truly honoured to play a small role in the celebrations of such a momentous occasion.
"My dear Dad Johnny Ball was 6 years old on VE Day, his memories of that time are incredible.
"Our great grandparents, and grandparents, our families, our nation went through so much.
"The bravery and sacrifices of so many for our freedom, we must always remember and this will be a very special night with some magnificent performances."
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