Zoe Ball has been notably missing from her Radio 2 show in recent weeks, with the 53 year old presenter's slot being covered by Scott Mills and Gaby Roslin once more. Despite returning to her breakfast show duties on August 8, Zoe took another break a week later, and is not set to grace the airwaves until at least next week.
On August 12, Scott Mills addressed listeners' surprise, assuring them: "Good Morning. You weren't expecting me were you? Welcome to Monday. It's Scott Mills."
He further calmed any alarmed early risers, saying, "If you set your alarm every morning to go off at 6.30 and normally Zoe comes on please do not freak out. You have not overslept. I'm here doing the breakfast show, do not panic."
Coming after Zoe's recent break, this absence stirred concerns among her fanbase, leaving many eager for an explanation.
While specifics about why Zoe has stepped back are still under wraps, she's undeniably had a tumultuous year, contending with her mother's passing and emergency dental care, reports the Mirror.
Scott Mills is slated to cover Zoe's mornings for the rest of the week, as indicated by the current lineup on the channel's website, which also hints at Zoe's anticipated return next week.
Scott's stand-in stint on the airwaves has sparked a social media frenzy, with opinions heavily divided over his filling in for Zoe Ball. One discerning listener vented on Twitter about Scott Mills' performance: "@BBCRadio2 When is Zoe Ball coming back? Not sure I can take much more of Scott Mills! #awful #radio2 #zoeball," and followed up with a decisive: "Goodbye @BBCRadio2. Can't take any more of the awful Scott Mills."
Another chimed in, less than thrilled: "I can't bear Scott Mills. Zoe is marginally better."
Nonetheless, some listeners expressed their enjoyment of Scott's presence. A fan put out a query: "Am I the only person to think that Scot Mills is a far better Breakfast presenter than Zoe Ball? ".
Criticism didn't end there, as one commentator bluntly stated their opinion about the situation: "Why are the BBC still paying Zoe ball when she is still off air , just get rid of her for someone who does want to work early morning shift. Just saying."
