After six years, Zoe left the show in December of last year.

Following the news, Zoe said she is “really chuffed” for her friend Scott Millis and said: “It has all turned out nicely. I’m really chuffed for my mate and really excited about it.”

Now, Scott has recalled the emotional moment he got the call he would take over from Zoe: “‘I cried in my dressing gown. I fully sobbed.”

In an interview with The Mirror, Scott said: “Once I’d kind of calmed down from the sobbing, I was kind of having a real reflective moment of like, ‘Well, I remember being a bit sad that I never got The Radio 1 Breakfast Show,’ but then if I had at the time, would I be where I am now?”

“I’m getting a lot of messages from people going, ‘I am 55 and it’s just encouraging for me to see that someone like you is absolutely flying and doing the best they have ever done at your time of life.’ And I mean, it is true. And I never thought this would happen.”

Announcing the news to listeners, Zoe Ball said: “After six years of fun times alongside you all on the breakfast show, I’ve decided it’s time to step away from the early alarm call and start a new chapter.”

Revealing Scott as her replacement, she explained: “Scott and I go way back to our Radio 1 days, when he was doing early mornings before me. He’s been a close friend for years, and I’m beyond thrilled it’s him taking over the Breakfast Show.”

“Breakfast has always been his dream, and what a year he’s had – from racing around the world to his beautiful wedding to Sam. He’s not only a blooming brilliant producer but one of the best in radio. I can’t wait to tune in on the school run!.”

Scott joined her show, exclaiming that he was “beyond excited” to take over.

He said: “Zoe and I have been such good friends now for over 25 years and have spent much of that time as part of the same radio family here at Radio 2 and also on Radio 1.”

“She’s done an incredible job on this show over the past six years, and I am beyond excited to be handed the baton.”

“It feels ever since recording my first shows as a kid for an audience of one, my mum, all roads since have led to this amazing opportunity.”

“It really is a lifelong dream come true to follow in the footsteps of Sir Terry, Chris and Zoe to be the new presenter of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show.”

Zoe told listeners: “You know I think the world of you all, listeners, and it truly has been such a privilege to share the mornings with you, to go through life’s little ups and downs. We got through the lockdown together, didn’t we?”

“We’ve shared a hell of a lot, the good times, the tough times, there’s been a lot of laughter. And I am going to miss you cats.”

She confessed: “But I won’t miss the 4am alarm call, if I’m completely honest.”