Get to know Zoe Ball as she joins Greatest Hits Radio
Her new show launches in September!
Last updated 2 hours ago
Here at Greatest Hits Radio, we are delighted to welcome Zoe Ball to the family! The award winning and much-loved broadcaster is now officially part of Greatest Hits Radio, with her brand new show Zoe Ball in the Afternoon kicking off on 7th September 2026.
Talking about the move, Zoe 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. I’m excited to be joining the team and getting started."
The news of Zoe joining Greatest Hits Radio was announced in a hilarious spoof video on Tuesday 30th June, featuring the Greatest Hits Radio dream team of Zoe, Ken Bruce and Simon Mayo.
How to listen to Zoe on Greatest Hits Radio?
Zoe’s brand new show Zoe Ball in the Afternoon launches on Greatest Hits Radio on Monday 7th September 2026.
From September, Zoe Ball in the Afternoon will air weekdays 1pm-4pm. You can find out more about her new show right here.
You can listen to Greatest Hits Radio live across the UK through your smart speaker, the Rayo app, online, or on traditional FM/DAB radio.
Who is Zoe Ball?
Best known for her work in radio and TV, Zoe Ball is an iconic voice, face and name in the world of entertainment. After leaving the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, Zoe is now part of the Greatest Hits Radio Family, so let’s get to know her a little bit better ahead of her first show…
How old is she?
Zoe was born on 23rd November 1970, meaning she is currently 55-years-old.
Where is she from?
She’s originally from Blackpool in Lancashire, but Zoe moved to Buckinghamshire with her family when she was young.
Is she married?
Zoe was married to DJ Norman Cook (better known as Fatboy Slim) from 1999 until 2016. Together they have two children and remain committed co-parents.
Does she have children?
Zoe shares son Woody and daughter Nelly with Norman Cook.
Who is her dad?
Zoe has a close relationship with her dad, who is none other than Johnny Ball, the veteran children’s TV presenter and writer.
In May 2026, Zoe and Johnny appeared on an episode of Who Do You Think You Are?, where they reminisced over family photos, sharing a particular memory of the smell of granny's boiled cabbage.
What TV shows has she been on?
In the 90s, Zoe co-hosted several popular TV shows, including SMart, The Big Breakfast, Top of the Pops and Live & Kicking. Zoe went on to host the prestigious BRIT Awards alongside Frank Skinner in 2002, before signing up to appear as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2003.
Throughout the Noughties, Zoe fronted shows like Soapstar Superstar, Grease Is the Word and Britain’s Best Brain, before taking over the presenting gig on BBC Two show Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two.
Over the years, Zoe has presented The One Show, Children In Need and VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember, as well as narrating on the likes of Don’t Tell the Bride and The Nation's Favourite ‘80s Number One.
In more recent years, Zoe has appeared on hugely popular entertainment shows like Celebrity Gogglebox, The Wheel, The Masked Dancer and Who Do You Think You Are?, as well as hosting Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream, ITV’s talent show to find the next leading man and lady of Mamma Mia!
Zoe Ball’s Instagram
Zoe is very active on Instagram; you can follow her at zoetheball.
Check out all the Greatest Hits Radio presenters below:
Ken Bruce
Greatest Hits Radio is the home of the legend that is Ken Bruce, weekdays 10am-1pm - including PopMaster, the UK's biggest music quiz for 25 years and counting.
Find out more about Ken and PopMaster.
Simon Mayo
Simon Mayo hosts Drivetime every weekday at 4pm and The Album Show on Sundays from 1pm.
Simon said of his Drivetime show: "I think the thing about Drivetime is that it is like the flip side of breakfast. You kind of know what an awful lot of people are doing, it's the end of most people's day, they're doing some final bits of work, they're shutting the laptop, they're doing a bit of food preparation, they're driving home. I think it is that sense of camaraderie, it's the end of the day, people want to be cheered up and they want to spend some time with some decent folk on the radio!"
Find out more about Simon Mayo here.
Zoe Ball
Zoe Ball has officially joined the Greatest Hits Radio family! Zoe's new show Zoe Ball in the Afternoon will launch on Monday 7th September 2026 from 1pm!
Find out more about Zoe Ball and her new show right here.
Kate Thornton
You can join Kate every weekday from 1pm, but she will be moving slots later this year. Kate remains a huge part of our family and will be here every weekend with a new prime-time Saturday show from September 2026. Kate will also continue with her hugely successful UK Pop 40 show every Sunday.
Find out more about Kate Thornton here.
Jenny Powell
Tune in from 7pm every Friday and Saturday for The Mix Tape with Jenny Powell.
Find out more about Jenny Powell here.
Alex Lester
The Dark Lord keeps you company in the small hours. Join him for the Music Marathon from 1am and the Best Time Of The Day Show 4-6am weekdays.
Alex brings: "Your favourite songs. Bizarre insights and unusual thoughts," to his show and told us that he loves that during his show: "It's just the two of us. You and me. (Against the world)."
Find out more about Alex Lester here.
Andy Crane
Join Andy's late-night community of music and company, Sunday-Thursday at 10pm.
Andy has three hours of the biggest songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s as well as The Top 10 at 10 and Midnight Music Marathon. His show is full of: "Great music and plenty of laughing."
Find out more about Andy Crane here.
Jackie Brambles
Jackie Brambles hosts The Evening Show every Monday to Thursday from 7pm - 10pm.
Jackie promises to deliver: "Great music and great conversations! Every night we're joined by one of your favourite artists of the 70s, 80s and 90s for an in-depth chat about the highs and lows of their careers and their musical influences over the years."
Find out more about Jackie Brambles here.
Richard Allinson
Weekend Good Times never sounded so good!
He's a broadcasting legend with a voice like silk that, alongside the Biggest Songs of the 70s, 80s & 90s, make the perfect weekend soundtrack – Saturday and Sundays at 9am.
Saturdays kick off with your chance to guess the year on The Top 10 Til 10, while Sundays are reserved for an hour of your special songs and dedications.
Speaking about his show, Richard said: "The idea is to recreate all those great memories I have of weekends growing up, a bunch of us meeting up to buy clothes, records, maybe sort a date…everything happened on a weekend and we remember the records we played at that time."
Find out more about Richard Allinson here.
Des Paul
Join Des for Rhythm Of The Night every Friday and Saturday night from 10pm, where he plays all the greatest soul, funk, disco and Motown hits to start your weekend.
Des explained what he loves the most about his show: "The favourite bit of presenting Rhythm of the Night is when listeners contact me to say how much they've loved hearing a particular track and then tell us all about when and where they used to hear it."
Find out more about Des Paul here.