Get ready for an exciting radio announcement! The legendary Emma Willis is taking over the airwaves!
From January 2026, Emma Willis will be hosting a brand-new live show on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds. Every Saturday lunchtime, from 1-3 pm, Emma will bring you an incredible mix of special guests, engaging conversations, and, of course, some of the best music around. It's a dream come true for music lovers and fans of Emma's charismatic hosting style.
Emma herself couldn't be more thrilled: "I'm a huge Radio 2 fan, so joining the team is a dream! I'm honored to follow in Zoe's footsteps; she's an inspiration. I can't wait to spend my Saturdays with the Radio 2 audience!"
With over 20 years of broadcasting experience, Emma Willis is a true veteran in the industry. Her impressive career includes six years co-hosting Sunday mornings on Heart Radio and regular appearances on BBC Radio 2, filling in for Sara Cox, Claudia Winkleman, and Romesh Ranganathan. She's a trusted voice in British radio.
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, is equally excited: "Emma is a beloved broadcaster, and we're thrilled to have her join our all-star presenter family. Our loyal listeners will embrace her warmly."
But here's where it gets controversial... Emma will be taking over from the beloved Zoe Ball, who has decided to step down from her Saturday lunchtime show. Zoe will continue to host specials, but her last regular show will air on December 20th. Zoe says, "It's been a blast spending Saturdays with the Radio 2 gang. I'm overjoyed for Emma to take over; she'll bring sunshine and joy!"
Helen Thomas adds, "Zoe, you've kept Saturday lunchtimes cheerful and warm. You're loved by our audience and our presenter team. You'll always be family."
As for what's next, Zoe has an exciting project lined up: a new podcast series, "Eras," focusing on the life and career of Phil Collins. From his early days at a West London stage school to global superstardom, "Eras" will explore Phil's iconic journey. With rare BBC Archive footage and interviews with Sir Bob Geldof, Izzy Lamberti, and more, it's a must-listen for music fans.
And this is the part most people miss... Zoe will sit down with Phil Collins for a world-exclusive interview in the final episode of "Eras: Phil Collins." It's a rare, intimate conversation about music, family, and Phil's legendary career. Don't miss it!
So, what do you think? Are you excited for Emma Willis's new show? And will you be tuning in to Zoe's podcast series? Let us know in the comments! We'd love to hear your thoughts on these exciting radio developments.
