“It was announced that the presenter, 49, would be taking over from Zoe Ball, 55, last month when she stepped down from the afternoon slot after just seven months.”, — write: www.dailymail.co.uk
It was announced that the presenter, 49, would be taking over from Zoe Ball, 55, last month when she stepped down from the afternoon slot after just seven months.
As Emma took to the airwaves for her very own show, she admitted ‘the pressure has suddenly dawned on her’.
She said: ‘Wow! I can’t stop thinking about that little jingle in my head because it’s my very own!
‘Usually I’m in here and I’m keeping seats warm and I’m covering for people and I swan in and swan out
‘Now, I’ve got my own show and I have to be here every week and it’s suddenly dawned on me… the pressure that I feel right now!’
Emma continued: ‘I had a stress dream on a Sunday night about this very moment where the whole team were here, like they are right now, looking at me.
‘And I was so excited I said I really naughty word and Geoff who works on the show, sank to the floor and said, “it’s over before it even began” and that is what is ringing through my head right now!’
Earlier in the week, on Monday’s episode of The One Show, Emma, shared that she was ‘nervous’ to take over from the radio legend, but shared the sweet message she’d had from Zoe ahead of her debut.
She told Clara Amfo and Roman Kemp: ‘I’m super excited but I’m a bit nervous because it’s Zoe Ball.
‘Taking over her show but I just have to think it’s not taking over her show, let’s not think of it like that because that would terrify me.’
As Emma added: ‘Zoe is the queen of Radio 2,’ Roman said: ‘Sounds like you’re already over thinking it. I can’t lie, it sounds like you are already over thinking it.’
Sharing the message she’d had from Zoe, Emma revealed: ‘She sent me a message “it’s going to be great, you’re going to be fine” and I said “OK, thank you”. People love Zoe don’t they? So there is that bit of pressure.’
She nervously added: ‘It’s two hours of radio, what could possibly go wrong. It is a lovely slot one till three – I’m super excited.’
She added: ‘I have been on Radio 2 for a couple of years so it’s familiar territory but I just want it to be all about the listeners.’
While Emma was fixture on Heart Radio for six years with Stephen Mulhern, since 2019 she has been a regular stand-in on Radio 2, filling in for stars including Sara Cox, Claudia Winkleman and Romesh Ranganathan.
In December, BBC bosses announced that Emma would be taking over from Zoe on the Saturday afternoon show, after she quit the slot after just seven months.
In an official statement Zoe said: ‘Spending Saturday lunchtimes with the Radio 2 gang has been an absolute hoot, the listeners, the stories, and of course my weekly giggles with Romesh and Rylan.’
Before adding: ‘I am over the moon for the fabulous Emma to take the reins, she’s pure sunshine and is going to bring all the joy (and tunes!) to your Saturdays!’
Meanwhile Emma said: ‘I’m a huge fan of Radio 2, so I’m absolutely chuffed to be joining the family – and it’s a real honour to follow in the huge footsteps Zoe leaves behind, who’s someone I admire and adore.’
‘I’m very much looking forward to spending my Saturday lunchtimes with the Radio 2 audience and I’ll happily be the filling to a Romesh and Rylan sandwich!’
Emma is no stranger to Radio 2 and has guest hosted shows in the past, she is best known for her TV work hosting The Voice and Love Is Blind UK alongside husband and Busted star Matt Willis, 42.