Emma Willis is set to take over Zoe Ball’s BBC Radio 2 Saturday show
The TV star appeared on BBC The One Show on Tuesday (January 12) night(Image: BBC)
Emma Willis has opened up about the “pressure” surrounding her latest career move. The 49 year old television personality is preparing to take over Zoe Ball’s BBC Radio 2 Saturday lunchtime slot after the broadcaster announced her departure last month.
Every Saturday afternoon from 1-3pm, Emma will host a programme filled with conversations featuring special guests and listeners, alongside a carefully curated selection of top-quality music.
Speaking ahead of her Radio 2 debut, Emma joined Monday’s (January 12) edition of BBC The One Show, where presenters Roman Kemp and Clara Amfo quizzed her about the upcoming venture.
Roman wasted no time addressing the elephant in the room, asking: “You’re taking over from Zoe Ball, feeling any nerves?”, reports Wales Online.
Emma confessed: “I’m super excited but I’m a bit nervous because it’s Zoe Ball. Taking over her show but I just have to think it’s not taking over her show, let’s not think of it like that because that would terrify me.”
She added: “Zoe is the queen of Radio 2.” Roman interjected: “Sounds like you’re already over thinking it. I can’t lie, it sounds like you are already over thinking it.”
Laughter erupted in the studio as Emma revealed: “She sent me a message ‘it’s going to be great, you’re going to be fine’ and I said ‘ok, thank you’. People love Zoe don’t they? So there is that bit of pressure.”
Looking visibly anxious, the presenter remarked: “It’s two hours of radio, what could possibly go wrong.” Roman offered words of encouragement, telling her: “They love you.”
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Emma went on to say: “It is a lovely slot one till three – I’m super excited. I have been on Radio 2 for a couple of years so it’s familiar territory but I just want it to be all about the listeners.”
For six years, Emma has co-hosted Sunday mornings on Heart Radio with Stephen Mulhern. Since 2019, she has become a familiar voice on Radio 2, often stepping in for Sara Cox, Claudia Winkleman and Romesh Ranganathan.
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, expressed her delight, 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. I’m certain that our loyal listeners will welcome her with open arms.
“I can’t wait to hear Emma’s new show as a part of our Superstar Saturday weekend schedule, which features Tony Blackburn, Dermot O’Leary, Romesh Ranganathan, Rylan, Liza Tarbuck, Gary Davies and Fearne Cotton.”
The One Show airs weekdays from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer