Johnny Ball Reveals Zoe Ball “In Such a Good Place” After Quitting BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show
TV legend Johnny Ball has opened up about daughter Zoe Ball’s fresh start after quitting the gruelling early mornings of the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show. The popular broadcaster, 54, stepped down at the end of last year after hosting the flagship slot since 2019. Now, she’s gearing up for a new weekend show launching this May, airing Saturdays from 1pm to 3pm.
Johnny: “She’s Chuffed to Have Packed It In”
Speaking to Saga Magazine, Johnny gushed about Zoe’s success and the reasons behind her big career shift.
“Zoe’s taken to broadcasting as well as I did – in fact, she’s done better than me,” Johnny said. “She’s earned considerably more money from it.”
He also touched on the tough year Zoe’s had, including the heartbreaking loss of her mother, Julia Peckham, last year, alongside ongoing health battles.
“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’.”
Zoe’s Health Struggles Behind the Scenes
In November, Zoe revealed she’s been battling temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, a painful jaw condition causing severe headaches and difficulty moving the jaw.
The NHS describes TMJ disorder as causing chronic headaches and jaw pain — conditions Zoe says made early mornings a daily challenge.
“I wake up most days with awful headaches,” she previously shared, explaining why she stepped back from the demanding breakfast slot.
A New Chapter and BBC’s Top Earner
Despite the hurdles, Zoe remains one of the BBC’s biggest stars. She was the highest-paid female presenter at the BBC in 2023/24, earning between £950,000 and £954,999. Only Gary Lineker topped her on the salary list.
Her upcoming weekend show promises a better work-life balance – no more 4am alarms!
Broadcasting Runs in the Family
Zoe’s eagerness for media is clearly a family trait. Her father Johnny Ball rose to fame on Play School and popular science shows during the 70s and 80s. Both share a unique Strictly Come Dancing bond – Zoe reached the final in 2005, while Johnny took part in 2012.
Johnny says he’s proud of Zoe’s achievements and happy to see her thriving in this new chapter.
