Zoe Ball has officially confirmed her return to the airwaves, just months after stepping down from her BBC Radio 2 breakfast show.

In December, the DJ emotionally broadcasted her final show and handed the reigns over to Scott Mills, who has since been presenting the morning programme.

However, the 52-year-old has now revealed she is returning with a Saturday show after taking time away from the spotlight and reportedly working in a cafe with her ex-husband, DJ Fatboy Slim, born Norman Cook.

From May, Zoe will be playing a slot between 1pm and 3pm, with her favourite music and reconnecting with listeners.

Head of Radio 2, Helen Thomas said: “Zoe is one of the UK’s most loved presenters, so I’m thrilled to announce that she has a new home on Radio 2 on Saturday lunchtimes, plus she’ll be hosting various specials for us throughout the year.”

In November 2024, Zoe revealed she would be stepping down from the broadcaster “to focus on family,” an announcement which came after an extended break following the tragic death of her mother, Julia Peckham.

She signed off her final Radio 2 Breakfast Show just before Christmas, telling listeners: “Take care of yourselves, lovely peeps. My top cats. Merry Christmas everyone.”

Zoe thanked her colleagues for holding her up “at her lowest” and her children Woody and Nell for “filling her with wonder,” adding that it’s “pretty cool to be the first lass to host, and I won’t be the last.”

In her closing speech, she concluded: “It’s been a real privilege to keep you company through your morning manoeuvres.

“You’re just there and I’m just here having a chat with a mate. It’s such a special intimate relationship. It’s never lost on me.

“We’ve been through life’s little highs and little lows together. I really do hope we’ve been able to bring some sunshine and light when you’ve most needed it, a daft distraction from the harder stuff.

“I’ve been bowled over by your messages across the years. Thank you for sharing your stories with me,” Zoe added.

Since her exit, Zoe’s son Woody, 24, has provided insight into her newfound calm hobbies and told MailOnline: “In the last five years, it’s been funny watching my parents take up gardening both of them.

“These crazy party people I grew up with are now gardening, making puzzles and working in the local café.”