Zoe Ball ‘bereft’ after mother’s passing

Zoe Ball has been left “bereft” by the death of her mother.

The BBC Radio 2 DJ took to Instagram in the early hours of Wednesday (24.04.24) morning to announce her beloved mum Julia had passed away in a hospice after she lost her battle with pancreatic cancer.

Paying tribute to her on Instagram, Zoe wrote alongside a throwback photo of her mum: “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. your grace and your smile that lit up every room you were in, will light the stars to guide us.(sic)"

Zoe had been taking time away from her presenting duties on ‘The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show’ on BBC 2 to look after her mother while Gaby Roslin, 59, filled in for her.

During this morning’s show, Gabby sent her love to her grieving friend.

She said: “It's no secret Zoe has been off for a little while looking after her mum, Julia.

“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.”

Speaking directly to her friend, Gaby said: “Zoe, 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.”

The 53-year-old broadcaster had previously explained she was taking time off to support her mother.

She said on air: “I'm trying to be at work on breakfast as often as I can but occasionally need to be home with my Mama.”