Zoe Ball 'set to replace Chris Evans' on BBC Radio 2 breakfast show

Chris Evans announced earlier this month he would be moving across to rival radio station Virgin, after 13 years hosting a show on BBC Radio 2.

And now it looks like Zoe Ball is set to be his replacement. According to The Sun, seasoned television and radio presenter and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Zoe Ball is in ‘advanced negotiations’ to sign onto the Radio 2 breakfast show.

A BBC source told The Sun: “We are in advanced negotiations with Zoe to replace Chris. A contract hasn’t been signed and her new pay hasn’t yet been agreed. But she was our number one choice and has been offered the job.”

47-year-old Ball, who’s been hosting the BBC Radio 2’s Saturday afternoon slot since March 2017, is reportedly in negotiations that should be finalised within ‘a fortnight’ and is set to receive a major pay rise as part of the deal.

It is unclear how much Ball is set to earn, but Chris Evans annual BBC package was reportedly £1.6 million. Revealed in 2017 as the BBC’s highest earning employee, the released salaries also exposed a significant gender wage gap between BBC employees.

If Ball takes the role, she will be the first female full-time host. Ball currently lives in Brighton with her two children, and is reportedly trying to make arrangements so that she can balance the new role with her family life and commitments.

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