Zoe Ball, the beloved BBC Radio 2 DJ, has announced the heartbreaking loss of her mother Julia after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. The beloved radio personality took to social media in the early hours of this morning to share the devastating news, expressing her profound grief and paying tribute to her mother’s unwavering love and strength.
Last month, Zoe revealed her mother’s diagnosis, subsequently taking time away from her Radio 2 responsibilities to care for her beloved mom. Despite her absence from the airwaves, Zoe made sporadic appearances on the breakfast show, expressing her gratitude for the support and empathy she received during this challenging time.
Paying tribute, Zoe wrote on Twitter, ‘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 gift.’
Zoe’s heartbreaking update comes just days after she shared that her mother had been moved into a hospice following her pancreatic cancer diagnosis. During a recent broadcast, Zoe shared, ‘Mum’s in hospice now, pretty tough at the moment for the family.’
She expressed her gratitude to the medical professionals providing care for her mother, saying, ‘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.’
Zoe also extended support to those participating in the upcoming London Marathon, 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 express her gratitude for the outpouring of support from followers, posting a heartfelt message accompanied by a picture of 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’…
The 53-year-old TV star has previously spoken about her complicated relationship with her mother Julia, revealing they were estranged for several years. However, when Julia’s third husband Rick Peckham was diagnosed with motor neuron 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.’
