Emma Willis is feeling 'the pressure' ahead of Radio 2 debut

by · Mail Online

Emma Willis has revealed she is 'feeling the pressure' as she prepares to take over from Zoe Ball on her BBC Radio 2 Show this weekend.

Last month, Zoe, 55, announced she would be leaving her Saturday show after just seven months, with Emma lined up by bosses to take over the afternoon slot.

After Zoe presented her last show on December 20, Emma is finally set to host her first show this weekend.

And speaking on Monday's episode of The One Show, Emma, 49, shared that she is 'nervous' to take over from the radio legend, but shared the sweet message she'd had from Zoe ahead of her debut.

She told Clara Amfo and Roman Kemp: 'I'm super excited but I'm a bit nervous because it's Zoe Ball. Taking over her show but 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.'

As Emma added: 'Zoe is the queen of Radio 2,' Roman said: 'Sounds like you're already over thinking it. I can't lie, it sounds like you are already over thinking it.' 

Emma Willis has revealed she is 'feeling the pressure' as she prepares to take over from Zoe Ball on her BBC Radio 2 Show this weekend
Last month Zoe announced she would be leaving her Saturday show after just seven months, with Emma lined up by bosses to take over the afternoon slot

Sharing the message she'd had from Zoe, Emma revealed: 'She sent me a message ''it's going to be great, you're going to be fine'' and I said 'OK, thank you'. People love Zoe don't they? So there is that bit of pressure.'

She nervously added: 'It's two hours of radio, what could possibly go wrong.

'It is a lovely slot one till three - I'm super excited. I have been on Radio 2 for a couple of years so it's familiar territory but I just want it to be all about the listeners.' 

While Emma was fixture on Heart Radio for six years with Stephen Mulhern; since 2019 she has been a regular stand-in on Radio 2, filling in for stars including Sara Cox, Claudia Winkleman and Romesh Ranganathan.

In December, BBC bosses announced that Emma would be taking over from Zoe on the Saturday afternoon show, after she quit the slot after just seven months.

In an official statement Zoe said: 'Spending Saturday lunchtimes with the Radio 2 gang has been an absolute hoot, the listeners, the stories, and of course my weekly giggles with Romesh and Rylan'.

Before adding: 'I am over the moon for the fabulous Emma to take the reins, she's pure sunshine and is going to bring all the joy (and tunes!) to your Saturdays!'.

Meanwhile Emma said: 'I'm a huge fan of Radio 2, so I'm absolutely chuffed to be joining the family – and it's a real honour to follow in the huge footsteps Zoe leaves behind, who's someone I admire and adore'.

Speaking on The One Show, Emma shared that she is 'nervous' to take over from the radio legend, but shared the sweet message she'd had from Zoe ahead of her debut

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'I'm very much looking forward to spending my Saturday lunchtimes with the Radio 2 audience and I'll happily be the filling to a Romesh and Rylan sandwich!'.

Emma is no stranger to Radio 2 and has guest hosted shows in the past, she is best known for her TV work hosting The Voice and Love Is Blind UK alongside husband and Busted star Matt Willis, 42. 

Zoe was replaced by Scott Mills after stepping down from her BBC Radio 2 breakfast show in December last year to 'focus on her family', bidding farewell to her £950,000 salary.

Her departure came after an extended break earlier that year following her mother Julia's death from pancreatic cancer in April 2024.