Emma Willis to Take the Reins at BBC Radio 2, Zoe Ball Launches Phil Collins Podcast Series
Table of Contents
Listeners can look forward to a changing of the guard at BBC Radio 2, as Emma Willis prepares to launch a new live programme in January 2026, while outgoing host Zoe Ball pivots to a new podcast venture celebrating the life and career of music icon Phil Collins.
A New Saturday Lunchtime Voice
From January 2026, Emma Willis will be the voice of Saturday lunchtimes on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, broadcasting between 1pm and 3pm. The show promises a blend of engaging conversations with special guests and listeners, set against a backdrop of “some of the best music in the world.” Willis expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I’m a huge fan of Radio 2, so I’m absolutely chuffed to be joining the family – and it’s a real honour to follow in the huge footsteps Zoe leaves behind, who’s someone I admire and adore.” She playfully added, “I’m very much looking forward to spending my Saturday lunchtimes with the Radio 2 audience and I’ll happily be the filling to a Romesh and Rylan sandwich!”
Willis brings a wealth of experience to the role, boasting over 20 years in broadcasting. Her career includes six years co-hosting Sunday mornings on Heart Radio with Stephen Mulhern, and since 2019, she has become a familiar presence on BBC Radio 2, frequently deputizing for established presenters like Sara Cox and Claudia Winkleman & Romesh Ranganathan.
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, highlighted Willis’s appeal, saying, “Emma is one of the UK’s most popular broadcasters, so I’m thrilled that she’s joining the all-star Radio 2 family of presenters.” Thomas anticipates a warm reception from listeners and emphasized Willis’s integration into the station’s “Superstar Saturday” lineup, alongside presenters like Tony Blackburn, Dermot O’Leary, Romesh Ranganathan, Rylan, Liza Tarbuck, Gary Davies and Fearne Cotton. The show will be produced by Biscuit Jim.
Zoe Ball’s Farewell and New Podcast Focus
Zoe Ball will present her final Saturday lunchtime show on December 20th, 2024. While stepping down from the regular slot, Ball will remain connected to the station through future specials throughout 2025. She described her time hosting the show as “an absolute hoot,” fondly recalling “the listeners, the stories, and of course my weekly giggles with Romesh and Rylan.” Ball enthusiastically welcomed Willis, calling her “pure sunshine” and predicting she will bring “all the joy (and tunes!)” to Saturday afternoons.
Thomas acknowledged Ball’s contribution, stating, “Huge thanks to Zoe for keeping Saturday lunchtimes cheerful and warm. She’s much loved by our audience and amazing team of presenters.” Ball will continue as a valued member of the Radio 2 family.
Listeners can revisit the announcement of these changes, featuring both Willis and Ball, on BBC Sounds, with the option to rewind the broadcast.
Ball’s immediate focus shifts to a new series of the award-winning podcast, Eras, for both Radio 2 and BBC Sounds. This installment will delve into the life and career of Phil Collins. The podcast promises a comprehensive look at Collins’ journey “from West London stage school to global superstardom,” featuring rare BBC Archive material and new interviews with a diverse range of contributors.
These include Sir Bob Geldof, Izzy Lamberti, Robert Plant, Sir Richard Branson, Nic Collins (Phil’s son), Alicia Keys, and Julie Walters. Ball, who last interviewed Collins in 2020, shared her lifelong admiration for his music, describing his songs as “time machines, full of heart, drama and joy.”
Eras: Phil Collins will launch on BBC Sounds on January 19th, 2026, coinciding with Collins’ 75th birthday on January 30th. A broadcast version will air on Radio 2 on January 25th, 2026. Listeners can subscribe to the podcast now on BBC Sounds and via RSS.
Thomas emphasized the significance of the podcast, stating, “Phil Collins has truly soundtracked the lives of our audience and I’m delighted that we can shine a light on his illustrious career.” The fifth and final episode, featuring a world exclusive new interview with Collins conducted by Ball, will launch on BBC Sounds on January 26th, 2026, and will be visualized on BBC iPlayer and broadcast on Radio 2 on February 1st, 2026.
Holiday Programming and Continued Content
Radio 2 listeners will also have opportunities to enjoy past shows over the Christmas holidays, including Zoe Ball Meets Elaine Paige on December 27th and Zoe Ball Meets Rod Stewart and Bryan Adams on January 3rd, both airing from 1pm to 3pm. Zoe Ball introducing Elaine Paige: 60 Years In Showbiz, recorded earlier in 2024 at The London Palladium, will also be broadcast on December 28th from 1pm to 3pm.
These programming changes signal a dynamic period for BBC Radio 2, blending established favorites with fresh perspectives and a continued commitment to compelling audio content.
