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Zoe Ball’s Heartfelt Tribute to Late Mum Sparks Celebrity Support on Emotional Anniversary

BBG News

On the one-year mark since the passing of her mother, Julia, Zoe Ball shared a heartfelt tribute on her Instagram account.

54-year-old host on BBC Radio 2 shared the news of her mother’s passing last April. Her mother, Julia, was 74 and had been diagnosed with cancer earlier.

To commemorate a full year since her mother’s demise, Zoe posted a collection of photos of her mom throughout the years, featuring one snapshot of them as children.

In addition to an older photo of Julia, the collection of images also featured a recent shot, as well as a picture that captured Zoe, Julie, and Julie’s brother Jamie Clark all in one frame.

One year ago, I lost my dearly missed mother, and today, a heartrending photo of my cherished friend Julia with my beloved Papa Johnny surfaced on Zoe’s feed. The caption read, “I miss you more than words can express, Mama.

Zoe’s celebrity companions offered an abundance of encouragement on her heartfelt message, with kind words coming from Davina McCall, Minnie Driver, and Gaby Roslin.

Davina wrote: ‘Sending you huge love…’

As Minnie wrote: ‘It’s tough – these initial experiences. I’m sending you a ton of love, I am certain she is worth this heartache.’

Gabby expressed: “I’m sending you a ton of love, dear Zoe. She’ll forever remain in your heart. I love you, and I’ve got plenty of hugs waiting for you any time you might require them.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I too lend my encouragement, sprinkling a row of red heart emojis beneath the post. Much like the accomplished Dr Who writer, Russell T Davies, I extend a similar sentiment.

Responding to @abbatha_dee’s message, I expressed my condolences by saying, “I’m truly sorry for your loss. This must be a very challenging time for you, and I want you to know it’s okay to take things slow. Sending you lots of love.

Last August, Zoe celebrated her first birthday following her mother’s passing. She shared with her followers that the previous few months were more challenging than she had ever anticipated.

The DJ took to Instagram to pay tribute to her late mother on her birthday. 

The post included a photo of Julia, who was seen smiling, along with an emotional statement.

Zoe wrote: ‘Dear Mama, blessed heavenly birthday to you! Your radiant smile continues to warm our hearts, yet the pain of your absence is greater than I could have foreseen. Clinging tightly and allowing the tears to fall, I make a wish upon the stars for you.’

Once more, the post received a wave of encouragement and affection, with Loose Women’s Ruth Langsford among those expressing admiration for the BBC personality.

Ruth posted underneath the photo: ‘Sending you love and a huge hug. Hold your memories close.’

In a different phrase, Gabby expressed on BBC Radio 2, where she temporarily took over for Zoe after her mom’s passing, as follows: ‘My dearest Zoe, sending you heartfelt embraces and endless affection.’

Claudia Winkleman, Denise Van Outen and Rylan Clark all reacted to Zoe’s post with heart emojis.

Zoe announced in April she had been left ‘bereft’ following the death of her ‘dear mama’ Julia.

In early March, the popular radio personality from BBC Radio 2 shared that her mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and displayed incredible bravery throughout the ordeal.

But in April delivered the devastating news that she had tragically passed away. 

She penned down: ‘Good night, dearest Mother. Thank you for instructing us on the art of loving selflessly, being brave, and compassionate, and for teaching us that even on the gloomiest days, humor can be the most precious treasure.’

In your absence, I find myself yearning and longing for your presence. Yet, I take comfort in knowing that we, as a community, will cling tightly to one another, forging strength from our shared memories of you. Your grace and radiant smile, which illuminated every space you entered, will continue to guide us, like stars shining brightly in the night sky.

Zoe’s son, Woody Cook (from her union with Norman Cook, famously known as British DJ Fatboy Slim), likewise paid tribute on Instagram.

Today, he posted a photo next to his grandmother, saying: ‘I bid farewell to Grandma J today, thank you for being such an exceptional person.’

Every year, it was only you who would send me a Valentine’s Day card. Although you are with Rick at the moment, could you please pass on a warm hug from me to him.

He mentioned during your panic in the helicopter flying over the jungle that if you ever got lost, you should follow the river. That’s where you’ll eventually locate him.

Zoe has been beset by hardship over the last few years.

After the dissolution of her marriage with Fatboy Slim, Zoe eventually discovered new affection with her companion Billy Yates; however, their bond too was destined not to endure indefinitely.

In May 2017, after a prolonged struggle with depression, Mr. Yates, aged 40, tragically ended his life at his residence in Putney, London.

Earlier, the Radio 2 host expressed her heartfelt gratitude for his farewell during their last meeting.

With a quiver in her voice as she recounted their farewell, she shared: ‘He hopped onto his bicycle and pedaled away, looked back, and waved a fond goodbye. That moment marked our last sighting of each other.’

She commented: “It was precisely at that instant when a surge of emotion hit me – ‘Wow, I adore him so deeply! We’ll locate assistance, and everything will turn out fine.’

‘And I wish I’d told him that.’

One year following his passing, Zoe participated in a demanding Sports Relief event by cycling 350 miles over the course of five days, all in honor of his memory and to bring attention to mental health concerns.

In May the star paid tribute just a week after confirming the tragic death of her mother Julia.

Following his death, Zoe said she had been ‘in shock for two years’ following the loss.

In May, alongside a snap of Billy, the radio host wrote: ‘7 years kisses in the sky’.

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2025-04-23 14:27

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