Get ready for a thrilling shake-up on the airwaves! 🎙️
Emma Willis, the broadcasting powerhouse, is about to take over your Saturday afternoons! From January 2026, she'll be hosting a brand-new live show on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, every Saturday from 1-3 pm. But here's the twist: it's replacing a beloved show hosted by the equally adored Zoe Ball.
Zoe's fans, don't despair! She's not leaving the station entirely. Zoe will continue to host specials, but her Saturday lunchtime slot is being passed on to Emma, who promises to bring her own brand of sunshine and joy to the airwaves. And with over 20 years of broadcasting experience, Emma is more than ready to take on this exciting challenge.
But here's where it gets controversial... Is it ever easy to replace a much-loved host? Emma has big shoes to fill, following in Zoe's footsteps, and the internet is buzzing with opinions. Some listeners are thrilled to have Emma on board, while others are sad to see Zoe go. It's a delicate balance, and only time will tell how the audience reacts to this change.
Emma's show will be a lively mix of engaging conversations with special guests and listeners, all set to a backdrop of the world's best music. She's no stranger to the BBC Radio 2 family, having regularly stood in for Sara Cox, Claudia Winkleman, and Romesh Ranganathan, and she's excited to make her mark on this new slot.
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, is thrilled to have Emma on board, praising her as one of the UK's most popular broadcasters. And with a lineup that includes Tony Blackburn, Dermot O'Leary, and Fearne Cotton, the station's Superstar Saturday schedule is set to be a hit.
As Zoe steps down, she leaves behind a legacy of laughter and warmth. Her final show will air on December 20th, but her presence will be felt through the specials she continues to host. And she's not slowing down! Zoe's first new project is a series of the award-winning podcast 'Eras', focusing on the legendary Phil Collins.
The podcast will delve into Phil Collins' incredible journey, from his West London stage school days to global superstardom. With rare BBC Archive material and new interviews, it promises an intimate look at his iconic career. And the best part? It's available on BBC Sounds and globally via RSS, so fans can subscribe and listen anytime.
Zoe, a self-proclaimed lifelong fan of Phil Collins and Genesis, is thrilled to dive deep into his story. She reflects on how his music has woven itself into our lives, and this project allows her to explore his career in a way that's both personal and captivating.
Helen Thomas is excited to showcase Phil Collins' illustrious career, and the podcast will culminate in a world-exclusive interview with Zoe and Phil, visualized for BBC iPlayer and broadcast on Radio 2.
What do you think about this radio shake-up? Are you team Emma or team Zoe? And what are your thoughts on the 'Eras' podcast? Let us know in the comments!
