By Zoe Delaney
Zoe Ball's mother has died following a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
BBC Radio 2 DJ Zoe, 53, announced the sad news on social media in the early hours of this morning, sharing a picture of her late mother Julia with her followers and admitting she is "bereft" following her beloved mum's passing.
The former It Takes Two presenter first shared the news of Julia's cancer diagnosis last month, explaining that she would be taking time away from her Radio 2 role in order to care for her mother. "I'm trying to be at work on breakfast as often as I can but occasionally need to be home with my Mama," Zoe stated as she thanked Gaby Roslin for covering her shift on 6th March.
Last week, Zoe shared that Julia had been moved into a hospice and at 4.44am this morning, the broadcaster announced her mother's death. Captioning a picture of Julia on Twitter (X), Zoe wrote: "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."
Sitting in for Zoe on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show this morning, Gaby Roslin was one of the first to pay tribute to Julia and send her love to grieving Zoe and her family. "It's no secret Zoe has been off for a little while looking after her mum, Julia" Gaby said as she opened the show just hours after Zoe's social media statement.
"Very sadly, Julia lost her fight yesterday and we're all obviously sending so much love to Zoe and the whole family," Gaby continued. "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."
Gaby then told her friend: "Zoe, you know I have got your back - I'll always have your back. I love you dearly, you're a very dear friend and all of us on the team love you and send you so much love. And to anybody else who is fighting the fight and being as brave as they can be, I am sending you lots of love as well." Gaby then played Fleetwood Mac's Songbird for her grieving friend.
Zoe's son Woody Cook, who she shares with ex-husband Norman Cook better known as British DJ Fatboy Slim, also shared a tribute on Instagram. "Today I say goodbye to Granny J, thank you for being a wonderful woman," Woody, 23, captioned a snap of himself and his late grandmother.
Woody, who appeared on Netflix reality series The Circle in 2019, also referenced his grandmother’s late husband Rick Peckham.
He said: "The only person who always sent me a valentines card. I know you’re with Rick now, give him a hug from me. I know he said once when you were panicking in a helicopter over the Jungle ‘If you get lost, follow the river!’ You’ll find him at the end."
Over on Instagram, Zoe was flooded with support from fans and famous friends, with Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas telling the star: "I’m so so sorry Zoe. Even though we know this day will one day come, nothing prepares you for when this day sadly comes. It’s impossibly hard. Lots of love to you and your family & you dear Dad x."
"Oh Zoe [sad face emoji]," Bonnie Langford wrote underneath Zoe's post announcing Julia's death, with a fan telling the Radio 2 star: I’m so sorry Zoe. You’ve still managed to brighten our mornings even when you’ve been going through this. You must take after your mom. Sending love xx."
Zoe's heartbreaking update this morning comes just days on from the radio star sharing that her mother Julia had been moved into a hospice following her pancreatic cancer diagnosis. The much-loved radio presenter returned to her BBC Radio Two breakfast show on April 17, 2024, where she dedicated a touching Bon Jovi track to the paramedics who had "gently" helped transition Julia to the hospice care.
During the broadcast, Zoe opened up: "Mum's in hospice now, pretty tough at the moment for the family", and expressed her gratitude: "I just want to say thank you to John, Scarlett and Charlie, both Charlies, actually, and Sophie and Laura who are really looking after mum."
She also paid tribute to those running in the upcoming London Marathon on Sunday, April 21, saying: "Things are really tough for my mum at the moment, just sending out loads of love. And, especially to anyone who is running the marathon this special causes. Big shout out to anyone running for cancer charities, especially pancreatic cancer, you're all superheroes. Love you mum."
After finishing her show, Zoe took to social media to thank her 703k followers for their support, posting a heartfelt message alongside a picture of a bluebell wood. "Thank you for all your kindness. The messages, letters and cards for our Mum mean the world. Strength and love to the many families and folk touched by cancer. Holding tight and so grateful to the incredible people looking after our Ma. We pass these bluebells on the way to the hospice."
Zoe shared the heartbreaking news of her mum's pancreatic cancer diagnosis in a heartfelt Instagram post back in March 2024, where she lauded her "incredibly brave" mother. "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", she penned alongside a family photo and another image of her mum in a treatment chair.
"My brother Jamie and I are completely in awe of the brilliant Doctors, Nurses and support teams looking after Mum. Thank you. Gratitude to our families and our extended family and friends at home and at work for their support at this time." Following the revelation, Zoe announced she would be stepping back from her presenting duties for a while.
The 53 year old TV star has previously spoken about her complicated relationship with her mother Julia, revealing they were estranged for several years. "I didn't see my mum Julia for a few years she was very young when she married my dad and had me, and when they parted I lived with my dad and my other 'mum', his wife Diane", Zoe disclosed.
However, when Julia's third husband Rick Peckham was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2012, the two women reconnected and have since grown closer than ever. "I am looking after my mum a bit now", Zoe admitted, "I see her pretty much every day. She is gorgeous."
Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeand Threads.
