Zoe Ball teams up with familiar face for new project after surprise BBC return

Daily Mirror

18-06-2025

Zoe Ball is working with Jo Whiley on a brand new project, just weeks after she made a surprise return to BBC Radio 2 a few months after her departure
Zoe Ball and Jo Whiley have teamed up to launch a new podcast. The Radio 2 legends have joined forces for the new project, which promises to be a "warm and welcoming conversation with old mates".
The pair are fronting a special podcast which will feature "heartfelt and unfiltered conversations" as they discuss raising a family, careers, ageing and living healthily. There will be two episodes each week and special bonus content for those who subscribe.
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Zoe said of their new project: "I'm so super-excited to dive into the world of podcasting with my girl Jo, I've got so much love and respect for her – she's been a true lifeline. Our friendship goes back 30 years, to our days on The Word and The Big Breakfast.
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"We've grown up together, personally and professionally, along with our listeners. The show is what happens when two mates (who are constantly mistaken for each other) hit record on their regular catch-ups and talk life, unfiltered and full volume. We're chatting about our week, wild kids, ageing, what's for dinner, digging (literally), music obsessions, grief and everything in between."
She added of their exciting new adventure: "No scripts, no gloss, just real talk, real laughs and a bit of beautiful mayhem. We'll be answering your questions too, so buckle up. It's going to be a blast."
Meanwhile, Jo added: "I've been part of some amazing duos over the years, but I'm not sure any will quite compare to this new adventure. Starting a podcast with one of my oldest broadcasting friends (and let's face it, doppelganger), Zoe, is SO exciting!
"The show will open a world of conversation on topics we don't normally discuss on air and, importantly, will bring us much closer to the listeners and fans who have made our careers so special over the last 30 years."
Zoe stepped back from her breakfast show last year, leaving her fans devastated. She was replaced by Scott Mills but Zoe has since made her return to radio and now presents a weekend afternoon show.
Announcing the news in February, Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said: "Zoe is one of the UK's most loved presenters, so I'm thrilled to announce that she has a new home on Radio 2 on Saturday lunchtimes, plus she'll be hosting various specials for us."
Zoe also fronted the BBC's big VE Day concert, which saw the likes of Samantha Barks, Fleur East, John Newman, Victor Ray, Freya Ridings and Keala Settle all perform to honour the anniversary.