Zoe Ball thanks fans and colleagues for their support as she’s flooded with well wishes following return to BBC Radio 2 after mysterious six week absence

Zoe Ball thanks fans and colleagues for their support as she's flooded with well wishes following return to BBC Radio 2 after mysterious six week absence

As I read through this heartwarming story about Zoe Ball, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of admiration for her resilience and strength. Life, as we all know, throws curveballs at us when least expected, yet it is people like Zoe who inspire us with their ability to face adversity head-on.


On Monday, Zoe Ball promptly expressed gratitude towards both fans and peers upon her return to the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show after a six-week enigma-shrouded break.

The 53-year-old presenter restarted the show with regular operations, warmly welcoming back her fans and asking listeners, “What happened during my absence?”)

Following her successful comeback on the radio, she promptly shared her initial post on social media since August 4th.

She beamed broadly as she posed with her radio team and fellow presenter Richie Anderson at her desk. 

Zoe labeled her post as: “Great to return today alongside this fantastic team at BBC Radio 2. A big thank you to our amazing listeners for their heartwarming, positive messages ❤️🏞️

Zoe Ball thanks fans and colleagues for their support as she's flooded with well wishes following return to BBC Radio 2 after mysterious six week absence

She added: ‘Beautifully taken photo by @sarahjennings_photography (after some tough negotiations) without @tinadaheley, @mikewills_sport, and @thepatrickt who is currently getting married ❤️.’

Although not seen in the photo, Zoe expressed gratitude towards her colleagues who had covered for her while she was away, as she went on to say: “I appreciate you both, Scott Mills and Spoony.

Zoe finished off her post by promising to return the next day, signing it as: ‘See you tomorrow with @gylesbrandreth.’

Immediately, she received an outpouring of encouragement, as Stacey Dooley and Fearne Cotton expressed their appreciation by using heart-eyed and raised hand emojis.

Supporters expressed their joy: “It’s great to have you back this morning. My 10-year-old even exclaimed, ‘Zoe’s here!’ as if everything in the world is now in order.

Great news! My alarm was tuned to Radio 2 this morning, and the first words out of my mouth were ‘Zoe’s back.’ Hang in there, love! XX

It’s wonderful to have you back! Your voice has been missed, and I enjoyed listening to Scott Mills, but there’s no place like home. Sending you love.

‘Wonderful to have you back cheering us all up and bringing sunshine into our rainy morning!’

Following an impressive debut performance, the BBC’s notable figure appeared cheerful, as she was seen exiting the studios with a wide grin stretching from one ear to another. Clad in a black checkered shirt and sunglasses, she radiated joy.

Zoe Ball thanks fans and colleagues for their support as she's flooded with well wishes following return to BBC Radio 2 after mysterious six week absence
Zoe Ball thanks fans and colleagues for their support as she's flooded with well wishes following return to BBC Radio 2 after mysterious six week absence
Zoe Ball thanks fans and colleagues for their support as she's flooded with well wishes following return to BBC Radio 2 after mysterious six week absence
Zoe Ball thanks fans and colleagues for their support as she's flooded with well wishes following return to BBC Radio 2 after mysterious six week absence

On her comeback appearance, Zoe expressed heartfelt appreciation for Jamie Theakston and Lauren Laverne after bravely facing their cancer struggles, showering them with positivity.

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but share that my beloved star passed along the affection she’s been given straight to the couple, sending them heartfelt wishes for a swift and successful recovery during their treatment.

She told listeners: ‘I must say while we are sending some love, our breakfast friend Laura Laverne our mate at six music is currently going through some cancer treatment. 

‘She is doing OK but just wanted to send my love out to her.’

Additionally, Zoe honored her former coworker Jamie by saying: “Not forgetting my energetic and resilient partner from Priory days, Jamie Theakston, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment.

He’s on the mend and thriving. Sending them my heartfelt affection. Essentially, the love they’ve shown me, I’m returning it to them. (Informal, Conversational)

Jamie revealed last week that he is currently undergoing treatment for stage 1 laryngeal cancer. 

In the previous month, Lauren informed her followers that she had been recuperating since an unexpected finding during a routine check-up revealed an illness.

This year, Zoe personally went through a battle with cancer following the passing of her mother, Julia Peckham, due to pancreatic cancer in April.

After losing her cherished mother, the star was advised to take as much time as she wanted. However, Zoe resumed her job on May 13 instead.

After being away for six weeks, Zoe thanked Scott Mills for hosting her show and ‘Spoony’ for taking care of Scott’s show while he was absent.

He originally planned to travel globally for DJ gigs, but unfortunately had to alter those arrangements. Thank you, fellows, and everyone for your understanding and support during this shift in plans.

Many of you have flooded my inbox with countless messages from your kind hearts, which has made a significant impact. So, I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for being so wonderful.

Zoe Ball thanks fans and colleagues for their support as she's flooded with well wishes following return to BBC Radio 2 after mysterious six week absence
Zoe Ball thanks fans and colleagues for their support as she's flooded with well wishes following return to BBC Radio 2 after mysterious six week absence
Zoe Ball thanks fans and colleagues for their support as she's flooded with well wishes following return to BBC Radio 2 after mysterious six week absence
Zoe Ball thanks fans and colleagues for their support as she's flooded with well wishes following return to BBC Radio 2 after mysterious six week absence
Zoe Ball thanks fans and colleagues for their support as she's flooded with well wishes following return to BBC Radio 2 after mysterious six week absence
Zoe Ball thanks fans and colleagues for their support as she's flooded with well wishes following return to BBC Radio 2 after mysterious six week absence
Zoe Ball thanks fans and colleagues for their support as she's flooded with well wishes following return to BBC Radio 2 after mysterious six week absence

On Sunday, it was confirmed by Zoe herself that she will return to hosting the morning program after taking a peculiar break.

She began: ‘Hello happy wanderers, I’ve wandered back’ and telling them she hopes they enjoyed their ‘Brat summer’.

The star continued: ‘Morning gorgeous people it’s me Zoe the happy wanderer. I’ve wandered back. How was your Brat summer? Was it marvellous? 

“Back in the ’90s, they called it by another name. I trust you’ve been appreciating the stunning sunsets lately. This morning, things are a bit damp where I am. Drive safely!

To Scott, she expressed gratitude: “Scott Mills, thank you for handling the show this week. More about that soon. What did I miss while away? Keep me updated by texting!

Following a brief news update, she warmly greeted any fresh listeners with a chuckle, saying, “Hey there! It’s me again, Zo. You might recall me from the ’90s – yep, I’m making a comeback!

Since her brief return to hosting the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on August 8, after a summer vacation, Zoe has been absent from the show.

In a nod to her comeback, Zoe chose to play the timeless tune “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire from 1987, humorously commenting that it had arrived just a bit late in light of its well-known lyrics: “Do you recall, it was the 21st night of September?

Following the race, Zoe playfully mentioned that her break hadn’t been spent in Turkey for a ‘fresh visage and dentistry’, but Tina Daheley responded by saying, “You certainly look fabulous, though.

Zoe Ball thanks fans and colleagues for their support as she's flooded with well wishes following return to BBC Radio 2 after mysterious six week absence
Zoe Ball thanks fans and colleagues for their support as she's flooded with well wishes following return to BBC Radio 2 after mysterious six week absence

As a devoted follower, I found myself brimming with all sorts of news and chatter that Zoe mentioned she needed to catch up on. However, she playfully hinted that some of these tidbits might be better saved for private discussions with her co-presenters outside the public eye.

The star proceeded to share messages from people who’d sent texts, keeping her updated about events that happened during her absence from her hosting role.

As a listener called in to request a song, they warmly greeted Zoe upon her return, to which she graciously responded: “What a pleasure! It’s great to be back.

It’s very kind of Scott to help out again. He was always there for me in the ’90s, even though the situations were a bit different. He’ll be returning later today.

In her compact MINI, Zoe acknowledged that the drive was somewhat hazardous because of the significant amount of rain that fell in London the previous night.

On a Sunday, Zoe Ball ended her six-week silence concerning her absence from BBC Radio 2, using social networks to announce that she would be back on her primary show starting on the following Monday.

She told fans: ‘Back to breakfast tomorrow morning 6.30.’ She added: ‘@realscottmills 7 @djspoony thanks for putting in the mega shifts.’

Zoe posted Disco Bambino’s song Odeon (Holdin’ On) on Instagram, captioning it with “Let’s do this” before tagging her Breakfast Show colleagues.

The BBC’s top-earning female broadcaster, who takes home approximately £950,000 annually, has been missing from her prime-time radio segment since August 8, causing some listeners to worry more and more.

Last week, the enigma surrounding Zoe’s comeback became even more intriguing, for despite being given ample time after her mother’s passing, she has now sold her rural abode, adding to the confusion about her whereabouts.

In the past few weeks, it was disclosed by The Mail that Zoe has changed residences. She sold her enchanting country house located in the picturesque Sussex village of Newick, which she purchased for £2,025,000 back in August 2020.

She left her previous residence in August and relocated to a townhouse near Brighton and Hove, which is near her ex-husband, DJ Norman Cook. This move was made following their separation in 2016, and they officially divorced in 2020.

Others believe that the change represents a fresh beginning for Zoe, who has been unattached since her separation from model Michael Reed about a year ago, following their five and a half year relationship.

As a die-hard admirer, I can’t help but share my take on this intriguing piece of news: “Feeling the urban pulse seemed irresistible to Zoe, it appears, as she yearned for a change from the tranquil life in the countryside.

She’s deeply immersed in customizing her home to suit her taste, and she’s been joyfully purchasing furniture and various items to achieve the ideal look.

Zoe Ball thanks fans and colleagues for their support as she's flooded with well wishes following return to BBC Radio 2 after mysterious six week absence

It’s true that Zoe was seen at the Churchill Square shopping center in Brighton on a Wednesday, leaving an observer astonished by the sighting.

People had been speculating about her whereabouts, and then, lo and behold, there she stood, clearly visible before me, they remarked.

In the midst of numerous worried comments on social media from fans, Scott initiated Zoe’s performance last week without acknowledging the absence of his fellow performer.

Previously, he delivered a message of encouragement to the celebrity on August 12, stepping in for her. In the process, he informed his audience that he had suddenly taken over the duties.

‘If your alarm clock plays Zoe every morning at 6:30am and you find yourself waking up later than usual, don’t worry – you haven’t overslept. Just relax.’ He also mentioned that he would be in charge for a while.

If you’ve tuned in this morning, Scott Mills will be hosting the show for a while instead of Zoe. He conveyed that he and the team are sending their love to Zoe.

In my perspective, it’s heartwarming to see Zoe smiling amidst challenging circumstances, as shared by her son Woody Cook. This sentiment arises from the sight of her being consoled by her ex-husband Norman Cook, famously known as Fatboy Slim, outside a café in Hove on Thursday.

With growing worry about her mysterious disappearance, Woody, the 23-year-old son he shares with Fatboy Slim, has finally spoken up about his whereabouts.

In his exclusive conversation with TopMob, he shared: “My mom and I typically prefer to safeguard our personal lives, but I can confirm that I’ve been spending significantly more time with her lately because she has always been a constant source of support during my hardships. It’s heartening to see her happy again.

Reputable sources have shared with TopMob that the star has received an open-ended leave of absence from the BBC, mirroring their previous actions when she stepped back in March to be with her ailing mother Julia Peckham, who sadly succumbed to cancer a month later.

Since Zoe hasn’t been seen in several weeks, it’s reported that BBC managers are taking all necessary steps to aid Zoe’s comeback to work whenever she feels prepared.

Zoe Ball thanks fans and colleagues for their support as she's flooded with well wishes following return to BBC Radio 2 after mysterious six week absence

She then returned to work for three days before leaving the show.

The BBC has yet to provide a reason for her temporary absence; however, a representative stated last week that she is expected to return towards the end of this month.

I’ve been finding myself quite preoccupied lately, noticing that my beloved Zoe seems to have gone a bit silent on social media. Her last post on Instagram, dated August 5, is still fresh in my mind. It feels like she’s been absent from our virtual interactions, and I can’t help but miss her vibrant presence.

In March, Zoe announced that she was going to take some time away to look after her mother, Julia Peckham, who had been recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

In April, she passed away, and the event host resumed work on May 13th. Previously, last year, Ms. Ball had a three-week break in Corfu to oversee the production of Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream, which was broadcast by rival network ITV.

This year, Zoe stepped back from Radio 2 to devote more attention to her family, having faced a string of hardships and sorrows.

Zoe Ball thanks fans and colleagues for their support as she's flooded with well wishes following return to BBC Radio 2 after mysterious six week absence
Zoe Ball thanks fans and colleagues for their support as she's flooded with well wishes following return to BBC Radio 2 after mysterious six week absence

In April, the BBC’s logo shared the news that her mother, Julia, passed away after a tough fight against pancreatic cancer, which she was diagnosed with only a month earlier.

Posting a tribute to her mother on social media, she said: ‘Sleep tight dear Mama. 

I appreciate your guidance on learning to love selflessly, be brave and compassionate, and discovering that joy and laughter can brighten our darkest moments. Though we feel your absence deeply, we’ll cling even tighter to one another in your memory.

It is the latest in a string of tragedies the beloved Radio 2 presenter has had to endure. 

Her five-year-plus romance with Michael Reed has come to an end, while tragically, her partner Billy Yates passed away by suicide seven years back, in May 2017.

After the 18-year journey within my own marriage with the renowned DJ, Fatboy Slim (a.k.a. Normal Cook), came to an end, I found myself navigating a new chapter in life. Regrettably, this transition led me to experience a profound loss when Mr. Yates passed away.

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2024-09-23 17:28

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