Emma Willis Takes the Helm at BBC Radio 2’s Saturday Lunchtime Show

A New Chapter for One of Britain’s Most Beloved Presenters

Emma Willis is to front a new live Saturday lunchtime programme on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds from January 2026, taking over the 1–3pm slot following Zoe Ball’s decision to step down from the show. This significant move marks a new milestone in the career of one of the UK’s most experienced broadcasters, who has captivated audiences across multiple platforms for over two decades.

Emma Louise Willis (née Griffiths; born 18 March 1976) is an English broadcaster known for her television and radio work with Channel 5, BBC, ITV and Heart FM. The 49-year-old presenter has built an impressive portfolio, having hosted major television formats including Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother (2013–2018), The Voice UK (2014–present), and the children’s spin-off The Voice Kids UK (2017–2023). Most recently, in 2024, she became a co-host of the Netflix dating show Love Is Blind: UK, alongside her husband Matt Willis.

What to Expect from Emma’s New Radio Show

The programme will air each Saturday afternoon and is set to blend music with conversation, featuring interviews with celebrity guests and contributions from listeners. It will sit at the heart of Radio 2’s “Superstar Saturday” schedule, one of the station’s most high-profile blocks of the week. This format aligns perfectly with Willis’s proven ability to connect with audiences and conduct engaging interviews across various media.

Speaking about her appointment, Willis said she was “absolutely chuffed” to be joining the station in a permanent presenting role. “I’m a huge fan of Radio 2, so it’s a real honour to follow in the huge footsteps Zoe leaves behind,” she commented. Willis began her radio career on Heart FM, where she co-presented Sunday mornings alongside Stephen Mulhern for six years, and brings more than two decades of experience across television and radio to the role.

The Significance for Radio 2 and British Broadcasting

Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, described Willis as “one of the UK’s most popular broadcasters” and said she was confident listeners would “welcome her with open arms”. This appointment demonstrates BBC Radio 2’s commitment to attracting established talent with proven cross-platform appeal.

For listeners, Emma Willis’s new Saturday show represents an exciting addition to the BBC Radio 2 family. Her warm personality, extensive experience in live broadcasting, and ability to handle both entertainment and meaningful conversation make her an ideal fit for the station’s audience. This isn’t Emma’s first time presenting a radio show, as she has previously hosted a radio show on Heart between 2012 and 2018, and she has been a cover presenter on BBC Radio 2 since 2019.

As Emma Willis prepares to launch her new Saturday lunchtime programme, British radio audiences can look forward to fresh energy and engaging content during one of the week’s most coveted listening slots. Her appointment reflects the evolving landscape of British broadcasting, where versatility and genuine connection with audiences remain paramount.