BBC Radio 2 star sends 'so much love to Zoe Ball' as she steps in to cover host's show

BBC Radio 2 star Gaby Roslin has shared an emotional message to her fellow radio presenter and friend Zoe Ball after she lost her mum. On Wednesday, April 24, Gaby Roslin stepped in to host The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show.

The broadcaster confirmed that Zoe Ball had lost her mother, Julia, on Tuesday, April 23. In early March, Zoe announced that her mother had been diagnosed with cancer and was being "incredibly brave".

The 53-year-old confirmed Gaby Roslin would "occasionally" replace her on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show so she could spend time with her mother, who was later taken to a hospice. On Tuesday evening, Ball took to social media to announce her mother's death alongside a candid photo of her during her younger years.

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"Sleep tight mama," she wrote on the post. "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. We are bereft without you but will hold so tight to each other."

On Wednesday morning, Gaby Roslin sent her condolences to Zoe. She said there was "so much love for Zoe Ball" and also shared her support for anyone who might be going through a similar experience. At the beginning of the morning show, she said: "It is no secret that Zoe has been off for a little while looking after her mum, Julia.

"Very sadly, Julia lost her fight yesterday. We’re obviously sending so much love to Zoe and the whole family, to her brother and to her children. It’s a horrible, awful time and I know so many of you have been through this time - losing a parent, losing a loved one, and I think the one thing that, if I can pass on anything is, that grief has no rules. There are no rules about this at all.

"Zoe, you know I’ve got your back - I’ll always have your back. I love you dearly, you are a dear friend and everybody here on this show, the team loves you and sends you so much love. And to anybody else who is fighting the fight and are being brave as they possibly can be, I’m sending you lots of love as well. And just know that you carry them in your heart." Gaby went on to play 'Songbird' by Christine McVie in tribute to Zoe's family.