Zoe Ball’s year of hell as BBC Radio 2 absence sparks fear – mum’s death and hospital dash
Many BBC Radio 2 listeners have shared concern as they are curious as to where Zoe Ball is, while Scott Mills stands in to replace her.
BBC Radio 2 fans have been concerned over the whereabouts of regular presenter Zoe Ball as she has been absent from her breakfast show for a number of weeks. The 53-year-old was on her radio show for four days before pulling out again last minute on August 9, with replacements stepping in to fill her shoes ever since.
The BBC later confirmed that the star would be off for some time to come. In a statement, they said: “Zoe is taking time off and will return in September.”
In the meantime, the likes of Gaby Roslin and Scott Mills have stepped in to fill her shoes. Last week, Scott addressed the confusion at the start of her show, as he told those tuning in: “Good Morning. You weren’t expecting me were you? Welcome to Monday. It’s Scott Mills.
“If you set your alarm every morning to go off at 6.30 and normally Zoe comes on please do not freak out. You have not overslept. I’m here doing the Breakfast Show do not panic. It’s early. You aren’t late for work. It’s Monday 12th August.”
Later he addressed Zoe’s absence, as he said that the team were offering her their full support. Scott continued: “If you’ve just put us on this morning, it’s Scott Mills in for Zoe for the next few weeks. I’m sending you all my love Zo’ as are the team.”
Loyal fans of the radio show have shown concern for Zoe online, as they question where she is and when she will be back on a daily basis. It comes as the BBC presenter has faced quite a heartbreaking year.
Loss of mum
Back in April, Zoe took time off work as she emotionally announced the death of her mum, Julia Peckham. The late mother died from advanced pancreatic cancer aged 75.
Julia’s death came just 12 weeks after the presenter announced she had cancer. Zoe took time off from work to mourn the loss, as her replacement, Gaby Roslin, explained to viewers back in April: “It’s no secret Zoe has been off for a little while looking after her mum.
“Very sadly, Julia lost her fight yesterday and we’re all obviously sending so much love to Zoe and the whole family. It’s a horrible, awful time – and I know so many of you have been through this, loving a parent and a loved one, and I think the one thing I’d like to pass on is, grief has no rule. There are no rules about this at all.”
Posting about the loss of her mum on Instagram, Zoe penned: “Sleep tight dear Mama. Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy, and how, even in the darkest of days, laughter is the greatest of gifts. We are bereft without you but will hold so tight to each other.”
concerned over the whereabouts of regular presenter Zoe Ball as she has been absent from her breakfast show for a number of weeks. The 53-year-old was on her radio show for four days before pulling out again last minute on August 9, with replacements stepping in to fill her shoes ever since.
The BBC later confirmed that the star would be off for some time to come. In a statement, they said: “Zoe is taking time off and will return in September.n the meantime, the likes of Gaby Roslin and Scott Mills have stepped in to fill her shoes. Last week, Scott addressed the confusion at the start of her show, as he told those tuning in: “Good Morning. You weren’t expecting me were you? Welcome to Monday. It’s Scott Mills.
“If you set your alarm every morning to go off at 6.30 and normally Zoe comes on please do not freak out. You have not overslept. I’m here doing the Breakfast Show do not panic. It’s early. You aren’t late for work. It’s Monday 12th
Loyal fans of the radio show have shown concern for Zoe online, as they question where she is and when she will be back on a daily basis. It comes as the BBC presenter has faced quite a heartbreaking year.
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Anniversary of ex’s death
Just a few days after losing her mum, Zoe’s shared further grief as she marked the anniversary of her ex’s death. Antiques Roadshow cameraman Billy Yates tragically took his own life in 2017 at the age of 40, not long into his relationship with Zoe.
Marking the seven-year anniversary of his death, Zoe shared a heartfelt photo of Billy on Instagram with the caption: “Seven years, kisses in the sky.”
She poignantly remembered her final moments with Billy, saying: “It was just that moment and that feeling of, ‘Oh my God, I love him so much and we’ll find help and it will all be ok’. And I wish I’d told him that.”
Emergency medical dash
In June, Zoe shared that she had been forced to seek an “emergency rescue” after having a medical mishap, resulting in more time off work. The 53-year-old BBC presenter shared that she had lost a tooth on her Instagram stories and rushed to a dental professional to have her smile fixed.
The radio DJ posted a picture of a character with a tooth missing as she captioned it: “About last night… Me… Oops.” She added an arrow to the picture pointing to the gappy smile.
