BBC Radio 2's Zoe Ball reveals her mother has cancer

The BBC Radio 2 presenter revealed on Monday (March 4) she was taking a few days off from The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show with Gaby Roslin filling in during her absence. 

Ball was set to return today (Thursday, March 7) but was still absent from the show when it went to air at 6.30am. 

BBC Radio 2's Zoe Ball issues 'heartbreaking' announcement that her mum has cancer

Her absence comes just hours after Ball revealed her mother, Julia, had been diagnosed with cancer.

Ball, making the announcement on Instagram, said: "Heartbreakingly our beautiful Mama Julia has been diagnosed with Cancer. As many of you know from experience, these are extremely tough times. Mum is being incredibly brave.

"My brother Jamie & I are completely in awe of the brilliant Doctors, Nurses & support teams looking after Mum. Thank you.

"Gratitude to our families & our extended family & friends at home & at work for their support at this time.

"Sending out love to people reading this who are battling cancer, or awaiting diagnosis & also to the folk looking after their dear ones who are poorly."

Following the announcement Ball was flooded with messages of support on Instagram receiving messages from the likes of Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Dianne Buswell and TV presenter Davina McCall.

Buswell commented: "sending all my love."

Paddy McGuinness, who filled in for Rylan Clark on BBC Radio 2 recently, said: "Sending love to you all. x

Fellow Radio 2 DJ Gary Davies added: "Sending love Zoe."

While McCall commented: "Hey Zoe . Sending you and your family the most love x and an extra special cuddle to your mum."

Zoe Ball reveals she may miss more BBC Radio 2 shows

As mentioned previously the BBC Radio 2 presenter has been absent from The Zoe Ball Breakfast show since Monday, being replaced by Gaby Roslin. 

On Monday she took to X (formerly Twitter) to reveal she would be taking a few days away from the show.

She posted: "forgot to say @GabyRoslin looking after breakfast @bbcradio2 for the next two days. i'm back thursday. here's a random pic of us both with Chris back in the day at a do."

forgot to say @GabyRoslin looking after breakfast @bbcradio2 for the next two days. i'm back thursday.

here's a random pic of us both with Chris back in the day at a do ???????????? pic.twitter.com/qwWAnp6Dtb

— Zoe Ball (@ZoeTheBall) March 4, 2024

Ball was set to return to her usual BBC Radio 2 show today (Thursday, March 7), but was still absent with Roslin once again filling in. 

In the announcement about her mum's cancer, Ball revealed she may need to take more time away from her Radio 2 breakfast show.

Ball, on Instagram, added: "I'm trying to be at work on breakfast as often as I can but occasionally need to be home with my Mama. thanks to Gaby for stepping in. Lots of love."