06 March 2024 , 18:51
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Zoe Ball thanked her friend Gaby Roslin for covering her shifts at work as she announced the devastating news that her mother has cancer.
Taking to social media this evening, the BBC Radio 2 star revealed she'll be taking further breaks from hosting the station's Breakfast Show due to her heartbreaking family news, as she explained her recent absence from the airwaves to her fans.
The mum-of-two, 53, explained how she will try host her show as often as she can over the coming weeks, but is needing to take some time away from her career commitments following her mum Julia Peckham, 74, being diagnosed with cancer.
Zoe's devastating announcement comes after she was noticeably absent from the breakfast show recently, with fellow presenter Gaby Roslin, 59, stepping in for her. Zoe thanked Gaby for covering her as she shared the news of her mother's cancer diagnosis and confirmed her friend will possibly be covering more shifts in the future.
In her heartfelt Instagram post, Zoe wrote: "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 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."
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She also sent out love to others dealing with cancer, saying: "Sending out love to people reading this who are battling cancer, or awaiting diagnosis and also to the folk looking after their dear ones who are poorly. 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."
Zoe Ball shared that her mother Julia Peckham has been diagnosed with cancer (zoetheball/Instagram)
The Radio 2 DJ thanked Gaby Roslin for recently covering her BBC show (Dave Benett/Getty Images)The presenter shared pictures of Julia, with one showing her looking like she's getting treatment. She wore a T-shirt that said: "This morning is amazing and so are you." Another picture showed Zoe's mum with family members. Zoe was flooded with support following the announcement.
Writing underneath Zoe's post, Dianne Buswell from Strictly Come Dancing told the BBC DJ: "Sending all my love." "Much love to you all," Great British Bake Off star John Whaite penned, as TV star Angellica Bell added: "Sending love to your mum, you and your family. Stay positive."
Gaby, who stepped in for Zoe on the Breakfast Show, added: "Love you Zoe and such huge love to your beautiful mummy." Sarah Cawood shared: "Oh Zoe my darling, this is awful news and I'm so sorry. Sending your mama so much love and strength to take on the challenges she now faces, and to you too, in supporting her. Massive massive cuddles to you all."
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.