Beloved TV presenter Emma Willis has candidly revealed the intense pressure she felt ahead of her debut as the new host of a BBC Radio 2 Saturday show, even confessing to a vivid 'stress dream' about the moment.
The Pressure of a Permanent Slot
Willis, 49, took to the airwaves for her first solo show on Saturday afternoon, a slot recently vacated by Zoe Ball. The broadcaster admitted that the magnitude of her new permanent role suddenly hit her, contrasting with her previous work as a stand-in presenter. "Usually I'm in here and I'm keeping seats warm and I'm covering for people," she told listeners. "Now, I've got my own show and I have to be here every week and it's suddenly dawned on me... the pressure that I feel right now!"
A Dream That Said It All
Her anxiety manifested in a humorous yet telling dream the night before the broadcast. Emma described a scenario where her entire production team was watching her. "I was so excited I said a really naughty word," she shared, "and Geoff who works on the show, sank to the floor and said, 'it's over before it even began'. And that is what is ringing through my head right now!"
The presenter's nerves were evident earlier in the week when she spoke to fellow radio hosts Clara Amfo and Roman Kemp. She explained that taking over from a legend like Zoe Ball, 55, who left the afternoon slot after just seven months, was particularly daunting. "I'm a bit nervous because it's Zoe Ball," Willis stated, before adding, "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."
Support from a Predecessor
Fortunately, Willis received a boost of confidence from Ball herself. The outgoing host sent her successor a reassuring message ahead of the debut. "She sent me a message 'it's going to be great, you're going to be fine'," Emma revealed, "and I said 'OK, thank you'.''
Emma Willis's new programme airs every Saturday from 1pm to 3pm on BBC Radio 2. The show promises engaging conversations with special guests and listeners, paired with a carefully curated selection of top-quality music.
While she is a new permanent fixture, Willis is no stranger to Radio 2. Since 2019, she has been a regular stand-in, covering for presenters including Sara Cox, Claudia Winkleman, and Romesh Ranganathan, following a six-year stint on Heart Radio with Stephen Mulhern.
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, expressed her delight at the appointment, 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." Zoe Ball also offered her public support, stating she was "over the moon" for the "fabulous Emma" to take the reins, describing her as "pure sunshine".
