Zoe Ball broke her silence after it was announced Paddy McGuinness and Michael Ball would be the new hosts of Sunday morning shows on Radio 2.
Michael, 61, will take the reins hosting Steve Wright’s Love Songs, while the former Top Gear presenter, Paddy, 50, will present a new show.
Zoe, 53, took to Instagram and shared her delight with her 703,000 followers about the celebratory news that has sparked controversy among Radio 2 listeners.
Taking to her stories, she shared a promotional BBC photo of Paddy which she captioned: “Welcome. Bolton Massive.”
The radio broadcaster is a firm fixture on Radio 2 having fronted her self-titled breakfast show since 2019.
But the BBC announcement has sparked a divide on social media with some listeners unimpressed by the decision leading to controversy.
@captainboo quizzed: “Why does the BBC keep giving Paddy McGuinness DJ work?” @EmilieS2018 tweeted: “Won’t be listening to that.”
@AbarthRocket595 commented: “This will be the final nail in the coffin for @BBCRadio2 to lose even more listeners!”
@claireroberts01 wrote: “More than happy with Michael Ball taking over from Steve Wright but will not be listening to Paddy McGuinness.”
Although not all listeners shared the same view as @kattyfox seemed thrilled by the announcement.
They wrote: “I’ve loved listening to Paddy recently – very happy to read this.”
From June, Paddy’s new show will air from 11am to 1pm and people can listen to Love Songs with Michael Ball from 9-11 am.
Steve hosted the show from 1996 until the week before his death in February.
Originally called Sunday Love Songs, it features a blend of dedications from listeners, personal stories and classic love songs.