Emma Willis will launch an exciting new live programme on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds from January 2026. Each Saturday lunchtime between 1-3pm, Emma will present a show jampacked with chats with special guests and listeners, all accompanied by some of the best music in the world.
Emma says: “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. 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 Willis is one of the most experienced and versatile presenters in the UK, with over 20 years of experience in broadcasting.
Across her incredible career, Emma spent six years co-presenting Sunday mornings on Heart Radio alongside Stephen Mulhern. Since 2019, she has been a regular and trusted voice on BBC Radio 2, frequently deputising for Sara Cox (weekdays, 4 –7pm) and Claudia Winkleman and Romesh Ranganathan (Saturdays, 10am –1pm), and appearing as a guest on programmes such as Sounds of the 90s with Fearne Cotton.
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, says: “Emma is one of the UK’s most popular broadcasters, so I’m thrilled that she’s joining the all-star Radio 2 family of presenters. I’m certain that our loyal listeners will welcome her with open arms. I can’t wait to hear Emma’s new show as a part of our Superstar Saturday weekend schedule, which features Tony Blackburn, Dermot O’Leary, Romesh Ranganathan, Rylan, Liza Tarbuck, Gary Davies and Fearne Cotton.”
The show will continue to be produced by Biscuit Jim.
Zoe Ball has decided to step down from her Saturday lunchtime show and will present her last programme on Saturday 20 December (1-3pm). Zoe will continue to host specials on the station, as she has done throughout 2025.
Zoe says: “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. I’m 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.”
Helen says: “Huge thanks to Zoe for keeping Saturday lunchtimes cheerful and warm. She’s much loved by our audience and amazing team of presenters. Zoe will always be a highly valued member of the Radio 2 family.”
Listen back to how Zoe and Emma announced the news live on Radio 2 on BBC Sounds, and remember that you can live rewind on BBC Sounds.
Zoe’s first new project is a new series of the award-winning podcast Eras for Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, focussing on the life and legendary career of Phil Collins.
From West London stage school to global superstardom, Eras will present the story of Phil Collins. With rare BBC Archive, we will hear from Phil in each chapter, as well as new interviews with fans and contributors including Sir Bob Geldof, Izzy Lamberti, Robert Plant, Sir Richard Branson & Phil’s son Nic Collins, who all give their fascinating insights on Phil’s iconic career and influence. We also hear from Alicia Keys and Julie Walters via the BBC Archive.
Eras: Phil Collins will launch on BBC Sounds on Monday 19th January to celebrate Phil’s 75th birthday (30 January) and broadcast on Radio 2 on 25 January (00:00-2:00am). Listeners can subscribe to the award-winning Radio 2 podcast now on BBC Sounds and globally on RSS.
Zoe, who last interviewed Phil on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show in 2020 when Phil, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks announced a new Genesis tour, says: “Phil Collins’ music is woven into all our lives, those songs are time machines, full of heart, drama and joy. I’ve been a lifelong fan ever since discovering Genesis as a young teenager, and their Wembley gig in ’87 is still one of the best nights of my life. I’ve been lucky enough to chat with Phil a few times over the years, but to dive into his extraordinary story for Eras and sit down with him again for such a special, intimate conversation about music, family and everything in between is an absolute dream. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2 says: “Phil Collins has truly soundtracked the lives of our audience and I’m delighted that we can shine a light on his illustrious career.”
In the 5th and final episode, Zoe sits down with Phil Collins for a world exclusive new interview, launching on Monday 26 January on BBC Sounds. The interview will be visualised for BBC iPlayer and also broadcast on Radio 2 on 1st February (00:00-00:30am). Zoe’s interview will reflect on Phil’s iconic career through its era-defining chapters covering the past six decades.
New Interviews Contributors: Phil Collins, Sir Bob Geldof, Craig David, Daryl Stuermer, Garon Michael, Izzy Lamberti, Kate Mossman, Michael Mann, Mike Rutherford, Nic Collins, Philip Bailey, Sir Richard Branson, Robert Plant and Steve Hackett.
Eras: Phil Collins is produced by Cup and Nuzzle.
Eras tells the stories of the biggest artists in the world told over the years in their own words. The series speaks to the people that were there and delves deep into the BBC Archive to take a look at an artist’s or band’s most iconic eras. Eras: Phil Collins follows in the footsteps of Queen, Bob Marley, Sting, ABBA, The Beatles and Kylie Minogue. BBC Sounds – Eras – Available Episodes
Over the Christmas holidays, Radio 2 listeners will have another chance to enjoy Zoe Ball Meets Elaine Paige (27th December, 1-3pm) and Zoe Ball Meets Rod Stewart and Bryan Adams (3rd January, 1-3pm). They can also hear Zoe Ball introducing Elaine Paige: 60 Years In Showbiz (28th December, 1-3pm), recorded earlier this year at The London Palladium.
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