TV presenter Johnny Ball has shared that his daughter, Zoe Ball, is feeling “in such a good place” after stepping away from the early-morning demands of the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show.
The popular broadcaster, 54, left her flagship programme at the end of last year, having presented the high-profile slot since 2019. She is now preparing to return to the station with a new weekend show, due to launch in May, airing Saturdays from 1pm to 3pm.
“She’s Chuffed to Have Packed It In” – Johnny Ball
Speaking to Saga Magazine, Johnny praised Zoe’s career success and shared personal insight into her decision to leave the demanding role.
“Zoe’s taken to broadcasting as well as I did – in fact, she’s done better than me,” he said. “She’s earned considerably more money from it.”
Johnny also spoke candidly about Zoe’s recent challenges, including the loss of her mother, Julia Peckham, last year and ongoing health issues.
“Her mum died last year and she’s had various other problems, but she’s chuffed to have packed in the Radio 2 breakfast show, as she’s realised every day has 24 hours now.
Her days used to start at 4am and by the time it got to midday she was knackered. She visited me recently and said: ‘I’m in such a good place’.”
Health Struggles Behind the Scenes
In November, Zoe revealed she had been diagnosed with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, a painful condition affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. According to the NHS, TMJ disorder can cause chronic headaches and difficulty with jaw movement, something Zoe said had been a daily struggle.
“I wake up most days with awful headaches,” she previously shared, shedding light on the health issues that contributed to her decision to step back from early morning broadcasting.
A New Chapter Ahead
Despite the challenges, Zoe remains one of the BBC’s top stars. She was the highest-paid female presenter at the BBC in 2023/24, earning between £950,000 and £954,999, according to the broadcaster’s annual report — ranking just behind Gary Lineker on the top-earning list.
Her upcoming weekend show will mark a new chapter in her career — one that allows her greater flexibility and a more manageable work-life balance.
A Broadcasting Family Legacy
Zoe’s passion for media runs in the family. Her father Johnny Ball, famed for his work on Play School and science programmes throughout the 1970s and 1980s, said he is proud of her achievements. The pair also share a unique connection to Strictly Come Dancing, with Zoe reaching the final in 2005, and Johnny participating in 2012.
