BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball has publicly addressed her sudden decision to leave her Saturday lunchtime show, a move announced live on air just seven months after taking over the slot. The 55-year-old DJ confirmed her final broadcast will be on December 20, though she hinted at returning for specials on the station.
A Focus on Family and Home Life
Speaking to the Daily Mail from her home in Hove, East Sussex, Ball explained she was "just stepping back" from the weekly commitment. This follows her departure from Radio 2's flagship Breakfast Show in November 2023 after six years, a decision she initially made to "focus on her family". Her exit has sparked speculation she may be in line to take over presenting duties on Strictly Come Dancing, though Ball declined to comment further on her future career moves.
The presenter spent the weekend celebrating the birthdays of her two children, Nelly, 16, and Woody, 25. It is clear her renovated seaside property, bought for £2 million in March 2023, has become a central hub for family life. The handsome peach and white stucco house, originally divided into flats, has been transformed into a single, five-bedroom home after nearly a year of renovations.
The Stunning Hove Home Transformation
In April, Ball shared the results on Instagram, crediting Brighton-based Catherine Smith of Arior Design for injecting "character, colour & warmth" into the previously white and grey rooms. The renovation preserved period features like coving, a tiled entryway, and parquet flooring while introducing a bold, modern personality.
The living room now features peach walls and forest green velour furnishings, accented by a vintage film poster, a Persian rug, and unique trinkets. The kitchen continues the earth-toned scheme with terracotta walls and sage cabinetry, while the hallway makes a statement with coral walls, quirky posters, and black door frames.
The master bedroom offers a lighter aesthetic with white curtains, floral wallpaper, and sage built-in cupboards. Even the garden was completely overhauled by East Sussex landscape gardener Henry Agg, who replaced astroturf and a swimming pool with gravel pathways, seating areas, and vibrant flower beds.
Building a Supportive Family Network in Sussex
Ball's move to Hove was described as a "fresh start" and has purposefully brought her closer to her ex-husband, Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim), 62. The pair, who divorced in 2020 after 18 years of marriage, remain fast friends and co-parents. Cook recently referred to Ball as his "soulmate," and their son Woody noted his once "crazy party" parents now enjoy gardening, puzzles, and working in a local café.
This tight-knit family support system has become paramount for Ball following years of personal trauma, including the tragic suicide of her partner Billy Yates in 2017 and the death of her mother, Julia, from pancreatic cancer in April 2023. Ball took a leave of absence from Radio 2 after her mother's passing, later describing suffering an emotional breakdown where she "couldn't move."
Sources indicate that, despite speculation about a major new role like Strictly, Ball's current priority is to "do less and spend more time with her children" in the life she has built on the Sussex coast. Her beautiful Hove home stands as a testament to this new chapter focused on family, peace, and personal well-being.
