Zoe Ball to make surprise return to TV for hit BBC series after quitting Radio 2 show

BBC Radio 2 star Zoe Ball stepped down from her breakfast show in November 2024 after six years at the helm.

At the time, she announced her departure to focus on family following the devastating death of her mother, Julia Peckham, who died from cancer.

Although Zoe’s son Woody Cook unveiled that the DJ has been spending her free time “gardening” and working shifts at a local cafe, the presenter has landed a major TV role.

According to The Sun, the 54-year-old will take part in the star-studded BBC series, Who Do You Think You Are.

Among other famous faces, Zoe will trace back to her past to learn more about her ancestry and heritage, although the series' full line-up has yet to be revealed stars such as Olly Murs, Gemma Collins, Twiggy, Mary Berry and Craig Revel Horwood have featured.

An insider told the publication: “Zoe comes from a famous family but not much is known beyond that.

“She was really excited to get be asked to the do show and is really looking forward to seeing what they find.”

The new TV venture comes just days after once the second highest-paid BBC star was working “at her local cafe” alongside her ex-husband Norman Cook who she was married to from 1999 until 2020.

The DJ known as Fatboy Slim owns the Big Beach Cafe in Hove and is often seen working there wearing a name badge reading: "Norm."

Woody told the MailOnline: “In the last five years, it's been funny watching my parents take up gardening both of them."

“These crazy party people I grew up with are now gardening, making puzzles and working in the local café.

“It's very funny to see that transitional period, just as I'm kind of leaving the nest and now at the start of something big for me in music,” the 24-year-old added.

Despite her departure from the airwaves, Zoe confirmed her comeback to BBC Radio 2 with a Saturday show as Scott Mills continues to present her former breakfast show.

From May, Zoe will be playing a slot between 1pm and 3pm, with her favourite music and reconnecting with listeners.