Zoe Ball

About

Zoe Ball
Television Presenter, Radio Host, Strictly Come Dancing Contestant

Early Life

Zoe Ball grew up immersed in the world of television. She trained as an actress with the Young Theatre at Beaconsfield and made her first TV appearance as a child in the 1980s on Saturday Superstore, a children’s show where her father, Johnny Ball, appeared as a guest.

She later began her career behind the scenes, working as a runner at Granada Television and as a researcher at BSkyB.

Radio Work

Zoe Ball made her mark in radio when she became the first female host of The Radio 1 Breakfast Show, initially co-hosting with Kevin Greening, before becoming the sole presenter. This role made her a pioneering figure in British radio.

Her career continued to evolve as she joined XFM in 2002, where she hosted the weekday drivetime show until 2003. She later took over a Friday evening music show for the station in 2004.

Since 2006, Zoe has regularly relief-presented for BBC Radio 2, hosting specialist documentaries and filling in for Dermot O’Leary.

TV Presenting

Zoe Ball has enjoyed a diverse and successful career as a TV presenter. She is perhaps best known for hosting The Big Breakfast and The Priory on Channel 4. She also presented BBC One’s Saturday morning children’s programme Live & Kicking and the pre-school show Playdays.

In 1994, Zoe co-hosted the popular craft show SMart with Mark Speight and Jay Burridge. Between 1996 and 1998, she was a regular on Top of the Pops, alternating with fellow DJs and presenters like Jayne Middlemiss and Jo Whiley.

In 2007, she hosted Soapstar Superstar and Grease Is the Word for ITV, taking over from Fern Britton and Ben Shephard. She also presented Channel 5’s quiz show, Britain’s Best Brain, alongside Jamie Theakston in 2009.

Zoe has also appeared as a stand-in presenter on The One Show, hosting episodes in 2012 and 2013.

Strictly Come Dancing

Zoe’s connection to Strictly Come Dancing began in 2005, when she competed on the show’s third series. Paired with Ian Waite, Zoe impressed both the judges and the public with her dancing skills.

In 2011, she took on a new role, becoming the host of It Takes Two, the sister show of Strictly Come Dancing. Zoe succeeded Claudia Winkleman, and continued to present the popular show, airing on BBC Two.

Zoe Ball’s career as a television presenter and radio host has been marked by her trailblazing work in radio and her dynamic presence in both children’s television and popular entertainment shows. Her versatility and charm have made her a beloved figure across various media platforms.