Zoe Ball launches her first show on Greatest Hits Radio

In June this year it was announced that Ball, 55, would front the station’s new programme, Zoe Ball In The Afternoon, on weekdays from 1pm-4pm.The show also marks her first weekday radio slot since leaving the Radio 2 Breakfast show in 2024.On Monday Ball opened her show by welcoming listeners.She said: “I can tell you excitement levels currently peaking. Thanks to Ken (Bruce), I am so thrilled to be his radio neighbour once again. Mondays to Fridays from 1 till 4 I will be here before handing you over each day to the mighty Simon Mayo. Adore him.”Zoe Ball has launched her first show on Greatest Hits Radio (Yui Mok/PA)PA ArchiveOver the weekend Greatest Hits Radio listeners had been sharing their thoughts on what song she would play to kick her new show off – with guesses ranging from Led Zeppelin’s Rock’n’Roll and Nine Simone’s Feeling Good.But when revealing her choice, the presenter said: “First song on Greatest Hits Radio. It’s got to be big. Big production, big sound, big feels. Not sure many of you guessed this one.“Ladies and gentlemen, I give you. The Kiki Dee Band… I’ve Got The Music In Me – a fittingly upbeat start to her new chapter on the station.”Ahead of her first show, on Sunday Ball shared a post on Instagram featuring microphone covers with Greatest Hits Radio branding.She wrote: “A new adventure begins… @greatesthitsuk. Tomorrow 1pm. Big ups to Gary Salty James Stoddy Nick Chlo Matthew Jamie Beth Mez Leggy Darren & my old mate Andy A. I’m a lucky lass.”Ball left Radio 2’s flagship breakfast show in 2024 before returning to a new Saturday afternoon slot on the station in May 2025, announcing her departure in December.She follows in the footsteps of former Radio 2 presenter, Ken Bruce, who left for Greatest Hits Radio in 2023 after being on BBC radio for 46 years.When her Greatest Hits Radio slot was announced, she said: “There’s something truly special about radio – the relationship you build with listeners, the energy, the music and the moments of joy and laughter you share together.“I’ve missed it and this felt like the right time to begin a new chapter with Greatest Hits Radio.“As a station, Greatest Hits Radio has built something really brilliant, epic music, big personalities and a genuine connection with listeners.Read More“I’m excited to be joining the team and getting started.”Ball was the first woman to present the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show solo when her co-host Kevin Greening left the show in 1998.Zoe Ball in The Afternoon is broadcast Monday to Friday from 1-4pm on Greatest Hits Radio.