Zoe Ball has left fans in shock as she announced her departure from Radio 2 today.
In a year that has handed her substantial heartache, the much-loved broadcaster, 53, had to cancel several shows and took a notable break from her duties, following the loss of her mum, Julia Peckham, in April.
Zoe told her listeners that she has “decided it’s time to step away from the early alarm call and start a new chapter”.
While Zoe’s future plans remain under wraps, it stands to reason that the mother-of-two might seek a respite from her public life after an undoubtedly challenging year.
Mourning the loss of mum Julia
In April, Zoe confirmed the sad news that her mother Julia had passed away, after going public with her pancreatic cancer diagnosis back in March.
During her show, the Radio 2 favourite expressed gratitude to the paramedics who provided support and dedicated a Bon Jovi track to them. She shared, amid difficult times, that things were “pretty tough at the moment for the family.”
In her words: “Things are really tough for my mum at the moment, just sending out loads of love. Love you mum.”
Shortly thereafter, she took to Instagram to relay the grievous news of her mother’s death, writing: “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.”
She added: “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.”
Breakfast show hiatus
Zoe had taken a six-week hiatus from her Breakfast Show following the death of her mother, leaving some colleagues uncertain about the reason for her absence. The beloved presenter was last heard on her BBC Radio 2 show on August 8 and made her return in September.
Details regarding Zoe’s sudden departure were sparse, with a member of Zoe’s team remarking to journalists: “This is all very tricky.”
Zoe’s son Woody recently addressed the situation, telling a reporter: “My mum and I like to keep our private lives to ourselves but I will say I have stepped up and spent a lot more time with her recently as she has always been there when I’ve had tough times. I’m glad to see her smiling.”
‘Wandering back to work’
In September, Zoe returned to the airwaves with a cheerful message for her listeners: “Morning gorgeous people it’s me Zoe the happy wanderer. I’ve wandered back.”
No official explanation had been provided for her absence, which puzzled fans especially after her social media post that read: “See you at dawn,” just before she took her first day off in August.
Reuniting with her ex
After maintaining a low profile for over a month, Zoe was seen spending time with friends, including her ex-husband Norman Cook, also known as Fatboy Slim. Photographs captured her engaging in conversation and laughter with the group by the beachfront.
This get-together followed a previous reunion with Norman two months earlier for their son Woody.
Zoe and Norman were the picture of united parenthood as they came together to cheer on Woody in July.
Woody’s impressive DJing skills drew an enthusiastic crowd in Brighton, where both Zoe and Norman were spotted enjoying the show. Later, Woody took to social media with a video of his beaming parents getting their groove on, captioning it: “Caught both parents dancing.”
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