BBC bosses have offered Strictly Come Dancing star Zoe Ball the Radio 2 breakfast show after Chris Evans quit to rejoin Virgin Radio.
The It Takes Two host is in "advanced negotiations" over the job and is expected to sign a contract within a fortnight.
Zoe, who is currently host of the station’s Saturday afternoon slot, is negotiating a new contract with Beeb bosses which will see her handed a significant pay rise.
The 47-year-old is also working out how she will manage the five-day-a-week role with her commitments as a mum in Brighton, where she lives.
The decision is a devastating blow for Sara, 43, who was backed by Chris to get the job and has been open over her desire to take it and move from her 10pm show.
But Radio 2 chiefs want the star power of Zoe — one of the country’s most popular presenters thanks to her role hosting Strictly spin-off It Takes Two.
Sara is the back-up option if Zoe can’t agree a deal with Beeb chiefs as they want a female in the flagship slot, where Chris drew a record nine million listeners.
A BBC source said: “We are in advanced negotiations with Zoe to replace Chris. A contract hasn’t been signed and her new pay hasn’t yet been agreed. But she was our number one choice and has been offered the job. If Zoe turns it down it will be offered to Sara, guaranteeing there will be a female hosting our flagship radio show for the first time.”
A Radio 2 insider close to Zoe said she is desperate to take the job but wants to ensure it works for her two children — Nelly, eight, and Woody, 17. Zoe split from husband Norman Cook — DJ Fatboy Slim — in 2016 and last year her boyfriend Billy Yates killed himself.
Her new boyfriend is construction boss Michael Reed, 48, who The Sun revealed she was dating last year.
The source said: “The offer is on the table if Zoe wants the gig. She’s fully aware it’s the job of a lifetime. For her, being the first woman to host both the Radio 1 and Radio 1 breakfast show is a massive deal.
“But it’s been a tough year for her and she’s got over Billy’s passing by throwing herself into work. She’s only just found the perfect balance, so this offer coming her way has shocked her. She’d love to do it but she’s putting the family first.
“Woody’s finished school. Nelly’s still there and she’s got a great routine going with Norman for her work commitments. So this week she’s at Jason Vale’s juice retreat talking everything over with her boyfriend.
"It’s flattering to know she’s in demand.”
Chris stunned the radio world this month by quitting Radio 2 and announcing he’ll return to “spiritual home” Virgin Radio to launch a breakfast show in the New Year.
- GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]
Source: Read Full Article