ZOE Ball has said she and Sara Cox have always supported each other in their careers, despite often competing for the same jobs.

The broadcasters, both with strong Bolton connections, will both make their debuts with their new programmes on BBC Radio 2 on Monday January 14, with Ball taking over the Breakfast Show, and Cox hosting the drivetime slot.

Former Smithills and Canon Slade pupil Cox was among the most hotly-tipped presenters to take over from Chris Evans when he announced his departure from the Breakfast Show, but she lost out to Ball – whose dad Johnny comes from Bolton.

A short while later, Cox, 44, was confirmed as the new presenter of Drivetime following Simon Mayo and Jo Whiley's exit.

Ball, 48, told Radio Times magazine: "We spoke a lot during the whole process. We're old buddies and we've always been really supportive of each other.

"Sometimes she gets jobs I've wanted. We always talk. It worked out."

Ball, who is the first woman to host the breakfast slot on the radio station, said she and Cox do not see each other much any more, but that they are likely to talk to each other before their big day.

Both presenters previously hosted the Radio 1 Breakfast Show - Ball from 1998 until 2000 and Cox from 2000 until 2003.