Where is Zoe Ball today? Is presenter ill or on holiday - why she’s not on Radio 2 and what’s wrong with her

The BBC presenter also departed from her role on Strictly It Takes Two, which started a number of weeks ago
Zoe Ball has been absent from her Radio 1 breakfast show  (Picture: JPI Media)Zoe Ball has been absent from her Radio 1 breakfast show  (Picture: JPI Media)
Zoe Ball has been absent from her Radio 1 breakfast show (Picture: JPI Media)

Morning commuters and early risers have taken to social media to ask when Radio 2 host Zoe Ball is, as she remains absent from her 6.30am show.

The Radio DJ and presenter did not announce that she would be absent, leading many to speculate whether she has been struck down with Covid, or maybe just feeling a bit under the weather.

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So, where is she, who is replacing her and when will she return to her breakfast show? This is what you need to know.

Where is Zoe Ball?

Ball has been absent from the show since Monday 27 September, and a BBC spokesperson has confirmed she is unwell.

On Tuesday morning, they said: "As mentioned on air this morning and yesterday, Zoe’s feeling poorly at the moment so isn’t able to present the Radio 2 Breakfast Show.

"We look forward to her returning to Wogan House when she’s feeling better."

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The 50-year-old has also been absent from social media, which is unlike her.

Who is replacing her?

While on Monday morning Nicki Chapman stood in for the unwell Radio 2 host, radio presenter Gary Davies has been holding the fort while listeners await Ball’s return.

At the start of the show on Tuesday, he told listeners that Ball was "not feeling too good".

Following his three hour show, he tweeted: "A lot of fun today and back tomorrow on @ZoeTheBall Breakfast Show with @jimmycarr and the @TheQIElves join us for The Why Workshop.

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"Hope you can keep me company from 6.30-9.30am @BBCRadio2 @BBCSounds."

On Wednesday evening he posted again to Twitter, announcing he would be returning for a third day.

“Back again in the morning sitting in for @ZoeTheBall with @JasonManford and Jay’s Quiz @TheVirtualPubQ1 Hope you can wake up with me from 6.30am @BBCRadio2,” he wrote.

It is not known if he will continue to host for the duration of Ball’s absence.

When will she be back on Radio 2?

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While Ball remains absent from the show for an unknown illness, the BBC has not speculated on when she will return.

Ball would usually also be hosting BBC Two’s Strictly It Takes Two following its return a fortnight ago, but she stepped down from her presenting role on the show earlier this year.

She has been replaced by former Strictly Come Dancing professional Janette Manrara.

You can listen to Zoe Ball’s breakfast show from 6.30am to 9.30am every weekday on BBC Radio 2.

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