‘This is all very tricky.’ What Zoe Ball’s BBC colleagues say about her unexplained absence from Radio 2, reveals KATIE HIND – and why it’s caused rumblings of dissatisfaction
As a long-time listener and admirer of Zoe Ball, I find myself deeply concerned about her recent absence from BBC Radio 2. While I understand that everyone needs a break now and then, the mysterious nature of her leave has sparked some unsettling rumors among listeners.
Over the past few weeks, only one topic seems to be dominating discussions at Radio 2’s headquarters: the mystery of Zoe Ball’s whereabouts.
Her unannounced leave from her popular morning program, which earns her nearly £1 million annually, has been so discreetly handled that not even her daily coworkers are aware of it.
As a dedicated follower, I must mention that thus far, the BBC has been tight-lipped about her current location. Yesterday, even their spokeswoman refused to clarify whether she would return on Monday after six weeks of absence, only repeating the official stance that she was expected back ‘later this month’.
Additionally, she remained vague about Zoe’s anticipated return, leaving one to wonder if the BBC are aware of the timeline for their top-earning female host’s comeback.
Regarding the issue at hand, even Zoe’s own group has been reluctant to discuss it further, with an insider commenting, “It’s quite complex.
Despite keeping silent themselves, it’s been quite the opposite for her fans. Lately, hundreds of them have flooded social media platforms expressing their worries about the celebrity. Notably, her income at the Corporation ranks second only to Gary Lineker.
August 8 marked her final day working in the studio, having returned from a vacation in Ibiza on that date and spending the weekend prior at the Brighton Pride festival with her son Woody and daughter Nelly.
On her recent Instagram post dated August 5th, featuring her smiling alongside her children, she shared that it was a truly delightful break she had experienced.
Beside the photo she shared, it read: “Jet lagged, feeling behind on Brighton pride, and missing Ibiza too” – and concluded with the hashtag #mumnbass, a nod to her preferred music genre, drum’n’bass. This leaves one wondering why Zoe, who was previously present on the airwaves, suddenly vanished after just three days, only to be replaced by close colleague Gaby Roslin and Scott Mills, the usual afternoon host at Radio 2?
It is believed that she has faced difficulties following the unexpected passing of her mother, Julia Peckham, from cancer in April. Previously, in March, Zoe announced she would be taking a break to care for Julia who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just a month prior. She eventually went back to work on May 13.
It was clear from the tribute she wrote after Julia’s death that losing her mother was a significant, profound impact on her. In her post, she said: ‘Rest peacefully, my dear Mother. Thank you for showing us how to love without limits, for teaching us bravery and compassion, and reminding us that even in the toughest times, laughter is our most precious treasure.’
‘We are bereft without you but will hold so tight to each other.’
Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that Zoe has recently relocated, having sold her picturesque countryside property in the tranquil Sussex village of Newick, which she purchased for £2,025,000 in August 2020.
In August, it’s believed that she decided to relocate and now resides in a townhouse located near her ex-husband, DJ Norman Cook (father of her two kids), who is based between Brighton and Hove. She had separated from him back in 2016, and their divorce was finalized in 2020.
Some people are saying that Zoe, aged 53, is embarking on a fresh chapter in her life, following her separation from model Michael Reed last year after nearly six years together. A source familiar with her living arrangements commented, “It seems like Zoe was yearning for a change of pace and decided to relocate to a more vibrant location.
It appears that Zoe has developed a strong interest in decorating her home exactly as she envisions it, leading her to shop for furniture and various accessories. On Wednesday, she was noticed at the Churchill Square shopping center in Brighton, leaving some bystanders quite surprised.
People had been curious about her absence, and suddenly, there she stood, clearly before me, they commented.
On last Sunday, Zoe was spotted enjoying laughter and smiles with Cook and a bunch of companions outside a cafe in Hove. According to onlookers, she stayed for an hour before they continued their stroll along the seafront. These glimpses of seemingly carefree Zoe bring comfort to her admirers. However, not everyone has shown understanding about her recent disappearance.
One listener tweeted: ‘Complete misuse of licence payers’ funds. Zoe Ball gets to pick and choose her contract terms and conditions. She’s never at work, more holidays than you can imagine. Are we mugs paying for this? No comment.’
Another added: ‘Why are the BBC still paying Zoe Ball when she is still off air?’
Since Zoe’s income comes from the licence fee, one might question why the BBC hasn’t been more open about her recent absence. Previously, she has taken time off for other ventures. In May 2023, she was away for several weeks to host the ITV show Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream on the Greek island of Corfu.
When her audience believed she was on vacation, Zoe confided in me that she often gets confused about which projects she can discuss. She explained, “You see, I have to keep so many secrets while on the radio. There were things related to Eurovision, things concerning the Coronation, and things connected to Mamma Mia!. At times, I even forget to inform people when I’m allowed to share.
On this specific occasion, it doesn’t appear that Zoe has been involved in other projects. However, this lack of communication has sparked some discontent within the BBC. As one BBC insider explained, “There’s been no word about her situation.” They added, “Given that her income is funded by public money, not having any information about her absence, whether it’s due to illness or unpaid leave, is quite troubling.
Meanwhile, one of Zoe’s colleagues at BBC notes a contrast in her situation compared to other broadcasters. Unlike them, hosting the breakfast show is a non-stop job for her as she appears live from Monday to Friday, between 6:30 am and 9:30 am. Some are concerned that this demanding schedule might lead to Zoe feeling exhausted or burnt out.
They mentioned to me that Zoe’s program resembles a traditional television show. Unlike some shows where guests connect remotely via Zoom, in her case, guests physically visit the studio for their interviews, which means Zoe needs to be completely engaged and well-groomed.
‘She is up so early and she has a long journey in. She is up at 3am, and travels into London.
It seems they are expressing concern about her, considering that compared to many BBC staff members who only have a few shows per week, she appears to have a more demanding workload. I certainly hope she is doing well.
Zoe has certainly been through the mill.
Apart from losing her mother, Zoe also experienced the tragic suicide of her partner Billy Yates in May 2017 at their residence in Putney, south-west London. Billy’s death left Zoe reeling, as friends reported that she grappled with an intense feeling of shock and sorrow.
The following year, she broke down in tears as she discussed the last time she saw him alive.
As a devoted admirer, I hopped onto my bicycle, pedaled away, glanced back, and received a sweet farewell kiss from him – that was the final moment I shared with him.
Despite any recent challenges, fans eagerly anticipate the return of Zoe to her usual lively self. As per the schedules released by BBC, Scott Mills, aged 51, is set to resume his regular afternoon slot next week. The show’s description reads: “Start your day with enthusiasm and joy with Zoe Ball and the team. Tune in to Zoe for a music-filled Monday on Maximum Music.
But whether she will be back at the microphone on Monday remains to be seen.
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2024-09-21 04:37