BBC Radio 2 has announced that Scott Mills will be the new presenter of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show following the news that Zoe Ball will be stepping down from the programme after six years.
Stepping down in December, Ball will hand over the reins to Mills, who will be moving on from his current weekday afternoon programme.
Scott says: “Zoe and 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.”
Zoe says: “Scott and I go way back to our Radio 1 days, when he was doing early mornings before me. He’s been a close friend for years, and I’m beyond thrilled it’s him taking over the Breakfast Show. Breakfast has always been his dream, and what a year he’s had – from racing around the world to his beautiful wedding to Sam. He’s not only a blooming brilliant producer but one of the best in radio. I can’t wait to tune in on the school run!”
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2 says: “It's a privilege to welcome Scott to the Radio 2 Breakfast Show. He’s a multi-award winning broadcaster who has been working in radio since the age of 16 and I know he can’t wait to get started on the biggest Breakfast show in the land! Earlier this year he won the Gold award for Best Music Entertainment Show for his afternoon programme on Radio 2 at the industry’s most prestigious awards ceremony, the ARIAs (Audio & Radio Industry Awards), and I'm delighted he will now be waking up millions of listeners each weekday at Breakfast.”
Trevor Nelson, who currently presents Rhythm Nation each Monday – Thursday (10pm – midnight), will become the presenter of the 2-4pm weekday afternoon show from January.
Trevor says: “It’s going to be great being on daytime. It’s the ultimate privilege as a broadcaster to entertain the nation on the biggest station in the UK every day. I’m looking to have lots of fun and will be bringing a bit of soul to the new show. Regular listeners will be pleased to know that my ‘guess the artist’ game Five Seconds to Name will be coming with me, so hopefully newbies will enjoy playing along.”
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2 says: “I'm thrilled to be able to move Trevor into Radio 2’s weekday daytime schedule. A true radio pioneer, Trevor is loved by his listeners, and I’m looking forward to hearing him bring a touch of hugely popular soul, funk and R&B to weekday afternoons.”
DJ Spoony will extend his weekly edition of The Good Grove (Friday nights – 9-11pm) to four weekly shows on Monday – Thursday nights (10pm – midnight).
Spoony says: “ What a dream to be able to host eight hours of The Good Groove each week on Radio 2, presenting the Radio 2 audience with some of the best dance and soulful gems from over the last 60 years on the UK’s most listened to radio station. It doesn’t get bigger than this! “
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2 says: “I’m so pleased to be able to extend The Good Groove to four nights a week. DJ Spoony is a warm and knowledgeable broadcaster, whose passion for the music shines through in every track he plays.”
Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Kitchen Disco, an original BBC Sounds commission for Radio 2, will be extended from one to two hours, seeing Sophie bring her non-stop party to Friday nights from 9-11pm.
Sophie says: “I can’t wait to bring my Kitchen Disco to Friday nights on Radio 2, when we will wave goodbye to the past week and bring on the weekend together in true disco style.”
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2 says: “I am delighted to bring Sophie’s iconic Kitchen Disco to complete the perfect party night on Radio 2 whether you are going out out or staying in in.”
