Zoe Ball fans have vowed they'll "never" be tuning in to BBC Radio 2 again as they mourn the loss of her familiar voice - and now Rylan Clark has joined the tributes, revealing he's "gutted" to be saying goodbye to an era.
Taking to X after the radio host announced she was bidding a fond farewell to her breakfast show, he admitted he "loves" her. "Zoe we love you loads, thank you so much for shaping Saturday afternoons for me and being the best wake up for the past 6 years," he wrote.
Referring to the news that she'll be replaced by Scott Mills, he addressed the DJ personally as he reminisced over the pair's friendship. "Scott, I’ve never been more happy for someone. If you grazed your knee you would bleed radio," he declared passionately.
"I know how much this means to you and I’m so so proud of you. Just gutted we won’t have many late nights now….. actually we will. Love you both x," he concluded.
"Lovely words Rylan! I’m gutted Zoe is going but chuffed that it’s Scott taking over!! Good luck Scott!!" one fan wrote in reply. Another chimed in: "Going to miss Zoe so much. So happy for Scott he will be amazing, so happy he's got the breakfast show, nobody deserves it more."
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A third added: "Such heartfelt words! Zoe, you've been an absolute legend on Saturday afternoons, and Scott, your passion for radio truly shines. Wishing both of you all the success and late-night laughs ahead."
Zoe has announced that she'll be remaining with the station, but her final breakfast show is due to air on December 20, with no further ones planned.
Then, after a brief pause, it was announced Scott - who currently hosts the afternoon show between 2pm and 4pm - will take over from early January.
Zoe clarified that she's "chuffed" for Scott now that he'll be taking her place.
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In a statement, she confirmed: "After six years of fun times alongside you all on the breakfast show, I've decided it's time to step away from the early alarm call and start a new chapter."
Highlighting Scott as a broadcaster, she revealed that the pair's friendship dates back to their days on Radio 1 together, when he was doing early morning shows before her.
"He's been a close friend for years, and I'm beyond thrilled it's him taking over the Breakfast Show. Breakfast has always been his dream, and what a year he's had - from racing around the world to his beautiful wedding to Sam.
"He's not only a blooming brilliant producer but one of the best in radio. I can't wait to tune in on the school run!" she exclaimed.
