Replacement announced as BBC radio DJ to quit popular show after six years

The DJ said it had been a “privilege” to share her mornings with listeners as she announced her departure from her BBC Radio 2 breakfast show.

Ms Ball has fronted the morning programme since 2019 after taking over from Chris Evans.

Mr Mills, who currently hosts an afternoon show on Radio 2, has been announced as her replacement.

Announcing the news on her Tuesday morning show, she said: “Okay, you lovely bunch, I have some news. After six years of fun times alongside you all on the breakfast show, I’ve decided it’s time to step away from the early alarm call and start a new chapter.

“You know I think the world of you all, listeners, and it truly has been such a privilege to share the mornings with you, to go through life’s little ups and downs.”

Mr Mills said he is “beyond excited” to be taking over presenting the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show.

In a statement, he said: “Zoeand I have been such good friends now for over 25 years and have spent much of that time as part of the same radio family here at Radio 2 and also on Radio 1. She’s done an incredible job on this show over the past six years, and I am beyond excited to be handed the baton.

“It feels ever since recording my first shows as a kid for an audience of one, my mum, all roads since have led to this amazing opportunity. It really is a lifelong dream come true to follow in the footsteps of Sir Terry, Chris and Zoe to be the new presenter of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show.”

Ms Ball, 53, is a veteran broadcaster, having started her career on the children's show Live & Kicking, alongside Jamie Theakston from 1996 until 1999.

She was the first female host of the Radio 1 and Radio 2breakfast shows for the BBC.

She has also appeared on multiple reality TV shows including Strictly Come Dancing and The Masked Singer.