Zoe Ball quits Radio 2 Breakfast, Scott Mills taking over

Getty Images

Zoe Ball has announced she is stepping down as presenter of Radio 2's Breakfast Show in December.

Ball said: “After six incredible years on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, it’s time for me to step away from the very early mornings and focus on family."

She will remain on the station, and said more news on what that would involve would be announced in the new year.

Ball later announced that Scott Mills will be her replacement, moving from his afternoon show slot on the station.

Ball's last show will be on Friday 20 December, "just in time for Christmas with plenty of fun and shenanigans," she told listeners on her Tuesday show.

Telling her listeners about her decision, she said: "I've decided it's time to step away from the early alarm call and start a new chapter.

"We’ve shared a hell of a lot, the good times, the tough times, there’s been a lot of laughter. And I am going to miss you cats."

She added she would also miss her colleagues, saying they were "like family to me".

The early morning presenter added: "But I won’t miss the 4am alarm call, if I'm completely honest.

"You know I love you all to bits."

Mills said: “Zoe and I have been such good friends now for over 25 years and have spent much of that time as part of the same radio family here at Radio 2 and also on Radio 1.

"She's done an incredible job on this show over the past six years, and I am beyond excited to be handed the baton.”

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on Twitter to get the latest alerts.