Zoe Ball’s Radio 2 colleagues fail to address her absence after fans voiced concern for the star as Scott Mills steps in for another week

Zoe Ball's Radio 2 colleagues fail to address her absence after fans voiced concern for the star as Scott Mills steps in for another week

Reflecting on Zoe Ball’s tumultuous love life, it is heartbreaking to witness such profound loss and heartache. Her relationships with her former partners, including her ex-husband Norman Cook and long-term partner Billy Yates, have been marked by both joy and sorrow, ultimately ending in tragedy.


On Monday, Scott Mills took over the Breakfast Show on Radio 2 since Zoe Ball was absent, and he didn’t mention her absence during his broadcast.

Zoe has been absent from broadcasting since August 8th. Since then, Scott and Gabby Roslin have been filling in for her.

As I stepped onto the stage for our much-anticipated performance on Monday, I chose to focus on the music and the energy of the moment rather than address the absence of my valued collaborator in the public eye.

Previously, he expressed his backing to the celebrity during her performance on August 12, informing the audience that he was suddenly stepping in.

Zoe Ball's Radio 2 colleagues fail to address her absence after fans voiced concern for the star as Scott Mills steps in for another week

If your morning alarm is usually set for 6:30 am and it’s typically Zoe who appears, don’t panic. You haven’t overslept, he reassured his audience, noting that he had some time left in the host role.

If you’ve tuned in recently, Scott Mills is filling in for Zoe for the upcoming weeks. He expressed his affection, and so does the team, saying “I love you, Zo” to you all.

People who know Zoe, both fans and colleagues, express worry about the DJ, as she is reported to be the BBC’s top female earner with an annual income of approximately £950,000.

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

The BBC hasn’t provided any details yet about why she’s been away, with their representative stating last week that she would return towards the end of this month.

Zoe Ball's Radio 2 colleagues fail to address her absence after fans voiced concern for the star as Scott Mills steps in for another week
Zoe Ball's Radio 2 colleagues fail to address her absence after fans voiced concern for the star as Scott Mills steps in for another week

53-year-old Zoe has been notably less active on social media recently; her last post on Instagram was made on August 5.

It featured a picture of her with her two children saying she was ‘jet lagged, brighton pride lagged [and] ibiza lagged’.

One BBC insider told The Mail on Sunday: ‘Nobody knows what has happened but everyone loves Zoe. 

‘We’re hoping all is well. The absence of Zoe at the BBC is quite conspicuous, as she’s deeply cherished there.’

The Corporation is understood to have been contacted by fans concerned for her welfare. 

But some listeners have taken a dim view of her taking time off without explanation.

One tweeted: ‘Is this a BBC scandal, 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.’

Zoe Ball's Radio 2 colleagues fail to address her absence after fans voiced concern for the star as Scott Mills steps in for another week

Another added: ‘Why are the BBC still paying Zoe Ball when she is still off air, just get rid of her for someone who does want to work early morning shift. ‘

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

In April, she passed away, and the host resumed duties on May 13. Previously, Miss Ball had a three-week break in Corfu during last year to oversee Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream, a production contested by rival ITV.

This year, Zoe decided to step back from Radio 2 for a while to devote more attention to her loved ones, following a string of hardships and sorrowful experiences she had encountered.

53-year-old BBC broadcaster revealed in April that her mother, Julia, had passed away following a struggle against pancreatic cancer, which she was diagnosed with only a month prior.

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

‘We appreciate your lessons on loving selflessly, being brave, and finding joy through laughter during difficult times. Your absence leaves us feeling empty, but we’ll hold each other close as you continue to guide us.’

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

Over the past five and a half years, she had been in a relationship with Michael Reed, but sadly, this union has now ended. Additionally, seven years ago, her partner Billy Yates tragically passed away in May 2017 by taking his own life.

In my personal journey through life, I experienced a significant shift following the dissolution of an 18-year marital bond with the renowned DJ known as Fatboy Slim, or Norman Cook, as he is called privately. This change, however, led to the unfortunate passing of someone close to me, Mr. Yates.

Zoe Ball's Radio 2 colleagues fail to address her absence after fans voiced concern for the star as Scott Mills steps in for another week
Zoe Ball's Radio 2 colleagues fail to address her absence after fans voiced concern for the star as Scott Mills steps in for another week
Zoe Ball's Radio 2 colleagues fail to address her absence after fans voiced concern for the star as Scott Mills steps in for another week

After her mother was diagnosed with cancer, Zoe mentioned that she would need to step back from the broadcasting station for a while to prioritize her family.

At that point, she mentioned they were experiencing challenging periods, yet her mother showed remarkable courage.

At the beginning of March, she shared two photos: one showing Julia among loved ones, and another depicting Julia undergoing chemotherapy at the hospital. Accompanying these images, she penned a heartfelt message saying: “Tragically, our dear Mama Julia has been diagnosed with cancer.

It’s no secret that we’re all going through challenging periods. Remarkably, Mom is displaying extraordinary courage during this time.

As a lifestyle expert, let me express my heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional medical professionals, including the dedicated doctors, nurses, and support staff, who are tirelessly caring for my mother. Their skill, compassion, and unwavering commitment leave us in absolute admiration. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

I’d like to express my heartfelt appreciation to our families, as well as our network of friends both at home and at work, for the unwavering support they’ve provided us during these times.

Extending heartfelt affection to those persevering through cancer, or waiting for a diagnosis, as well as to those compassionately caring for their loved ones struggling with illness.

For several decades, the family has faced numerous challenges, as Zoe’s parents, Julia and Johnny Ball (a previous TV host), divorced in 1972, having been married for only three years.

Mr Ball remarried his second wife, Dianne Cheryl, in 1976, with the pair remaining together today.

As Zoe’s professional journey soared, she and her partner Fatboy Slim mutually bolstered each other during their ascent into the limelight. Later, he acknowledged that she helped maintain his humility by gently correcting his behavior when needed.

He shared on the Changes podcast, “Even though you have permission to bend the rules, there will always be many individuals who will allow you to commit an egregious act without consequence.

Zoe Ball's Radio 2 colleagues fail to address her absence after fans voiced concern for the star as Scott Mills steps in for another week
Zoe Ball's Radio 2 colleagues fail to address her absence after fans voiced concern for the star as Scott Mills steps in for another week
Zoe Ball's Radio 2 colleagues fail to address her absence after fans voiced concern for the star as Scott Mills steps in for another week

Zoe turned out to be incredibly beneficial for me, as she was well-versed in the world of celebrity and we could serve as mutual checks and balances.

If I didn’t show respect to people, she might say: “Hey, cut it out! We don’t act like that. Apologize and thank them again.

Regrettably, their marriage concluded in 2016, as they expressed it, reaching “the end of their colorful journey together.

Despite the fact that Ms. Ball eventually found herself in a new relationship with Billy Yates, their bond wasn’t destined for long-term success either.

Following a prolonged struggle with depression, Mr. Yates, aged 40, tragically ended his life at his residence in Putney, located in southwest London, during the month of May in 2017.

Earlier, the Radio 2 host expressed her sincere gratitude that he bid farewell to her during their last encounter.

With a quiver in her voice, she recounted their last moments, saying, “He hopped onto his bicycle, pedaled away, looked back, and waved a fond farewell kiss – and that’s the last image I have of him.

She added: ‘It was just that moment and that feeling of ”Oh my god I love him so much, we’ll find some help and it will all be okay.” And I wish I’d told him that.’

Zoe Ball's Radio 2 colleagues fail to address her absence after fans voiced concern for the star as Scott Mills steps in for another week
Zoe Ball's Radio 2 colleagues fail to address her absence after fans voiced concern for the star as Scott Mills steps in for another week
Zoe Ball's Radio 2 colleagues fail to address her absence after fans voiced concern for the star as Scott Mills steps in for another week
Zoe Ball's Radio 2 colleagues fail to address her absence after fans voiced concern for the star as Scott Mills steps in for another week

One year following his passing, Miss Ball participated in a tough Sports Relief event by cycling 350 miles over the course of five days, all in tribute to him and to promote the importance of mental health discussions.

Every year, she faithfully honors his memory by commemorating it, then resumes her duties at Radio 2, donning a T-shirt bearing his name as a tribute.

In spite of having suffered a loss, the presenter mustered up the strength to embrace love once more when she started dating ex-construction worker Michael Reed.

Initially, his friends viewed him as a genuine gentleman. However, after over five years, the friendship deteriorated in May 2023, as allegations arose that Mr Reed had become somewhat demanding.

It appears they were allegedly having disagreements over seemingly trivial matters in their lives, including Zoe frequently chatting with friends on her phone.

As a fervent admirer of life and wellbeing, I feel compelled to share a vital resource that has been an unwavering beacon for countless souls in need: If you’re ever grappling with feelings of despair or simply needing someone to talk to, remember there are compassionate ears ready to listen. The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or you can visit their website at samaritans.org. Additionally, The Calm Zone offers support at www.thecalmzone.net/get-support. These resources are here for you, whenever and wherever you may need them.

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2024-09-16 12:50

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