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'We gave so much': Johnny Ball, 88, claims the BBC axed daughter Zoe from Radio 2 for being 'over 50'

Johnny Ball and Zoe Ball. The former Play School presenter claims his daughter was dropped by Radio 2 for being "over 50" — though Zoe Ball, 55, has never alleged age discrimination.
Johnny Ball and Zoe Ball. The former Play School presenter claims his daughter was dropped by Radio 2 for being "over 50" — though Zoe Ball, 55, has never alleged age discrimination.

Speaking at the Dorchester Literary Festival, the former Play School presenter said BBC stars are 'gone' once they hit 50, adding: 'Zoe was 54. Gone!' He says he was dropped the same way after 17 years on Play School. But Zoe Ball, now 55, stepped down from the Radio 2 Breakfast Show in December 2024, citing a wish to prioritise family life. She has never claimed to have been treated unfairly because of her age.

Former BBC news presenters once took the corporation to a tribunal over ageism, then dropped the case.

Ball also took aim at new Strictly host Josh Widdicombe: 'Josh is not a Bruce Forsyth.'

Zoe is returning to the airwaves on Greatest Hits Radio after missing out on hosting Strictly.

MoreEvening StandardZoe Ball lost BBC Radio 2 gig because she was 'over 50', dad Johnny claimsThe IndependentZoe Ball’s father Johnny claims BBC axes talent over 50: ‘We gave so much’Daily MailEXCLUSIVEZoe Ball's veteran TV host father Johnny, 88, hits out at BBC 'ageism' and claims she lost Radio 2 gig because she was 'over 50'
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