Zoe Ball breaks silence on mystery Radio 2 absence as she confirms return date
BBC Radio 2 star Zoe Ball has shared that she'll be back in the studio to host her morning programme after being off the air since August 9.
Having taken time away from her breakfast show for reasons that haven't been disclosed, the beloved radio presenter recently experienced a loss when her mother passed away from cancer earlier in the year and was seen receiving support from her former husband Norman Cook, also known as Fatboy Slim. It's understood that Zoe, who stands as the highest-earning female at the BBC, has been dealing with personal matters including the sale of her property.
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Ahead of her anticipated return, Zoe expressed her gratitude on Twitter to her fans and colleagues, saying: "back on breakfast @bbcradio2 tomorrow morning at 6:30. thanks to @scott_mills and @DJSpoony for putting in the mega shifts. @TinaDaheley @richie_anderson @mikewills_sport."
Fans didn't hold back their delight on social media, with one respondent replying, "Glad to have you back, we've missed you! Hope you've been ok xx" while another commented, "Welcome back Zoe hope you're well."
A spokesperson from Radio 2 added, "We are looking forward to welcoming Zoe back to the Radio 2 Breakfast Show tomorrow morning.", reports the Mirror.
Zoe Ball's son Woody Cook has been opening up about his dedication to spending more time with his mother while she takes a break from her work. The 23 year old, whom Zoe shares with ex-husband Fatboy Slim, told MailOnline: "My mum and I like to keep our private lives to ourselves but I will say I have stepped up and spent a lot more time with her recently as she has always been there when I've had tough times. I'm glad to see her smiling."
Adding to the family updates, during a recent switch-up on air in August, Scott Mills provided reassurance to the listeners of BBC Radio 2 as he filled in for Zoe Ball: "If you set your alarm every morning to go off at 6:30am and normally Zoe comes on, please do not freak out. You have not overslept. If you've just put us on this morning, it's Scott Mills in for Zoe for the next few weeks. I'm sending you all my love Zo', as are the team."
Taking over the reins from Chris Evans in 2019, Zoe broke new ground on BBC Radio 2's breakfast show, after Chris's move to Virgin Radio. She also stands out as the first woman to helm the Radio 1 Breakfast Show starting in 1998 through to 2000.
Her impressive career includes co-hosting the iconic Saturday morning children's show, Live and Kicking with Jamie Theakston for a solid three years starting in 1996. Other notable roles include hosting the Strictly Come Dancing companion programme: It Takes Two, and stepping into the reality TV world with ITV's Mamma Mia!
As one of the BBC's top earners, Zoe earns an impressive £950,000 annually, making her the highest-paid woman at the corporation. Before her departure in August, Zoe enjoyed a holiday in Ibiza and took part in Brighton Pride celebrations, only to return briefly to her work commitments for just three days before leaving.