Zoe Ball will miss another week of BBC Radio 2 breakfast show as mystery continues over her absence

Zoe Ball's continued absence from her BBC Radio 2 breakfast show has now extended for another week, causing further speculation.

Scott Mills is set to fill in for Zoe once more, taking the reins from Monday to Friday, with DJ Spoony and OJ Borg stepping up to cover Scott's usual afternoon programme.

The presenter has been off the air since the 8th of August, and while Gaby Roslin and Scott have covered for Zoe since then, there's still no word on her return. The BBC has indicated that Zoe is expected back later this month, yet they've stopped short of providing a firm date for her comeback.

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On his unexpected stint starting August 12, Scott Mills reassured listeners about Zoes absence, saying: "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."

This disruption has led to concerns among fans about Zoe's wellbeing. reports the Mirror.

An insider has revealed a new angle on Zoe's five-week absence, telling MailOnline this week: "nobody knows what has happened but everyone loves Zoe."

They continued: "We hope everything is okay. Zoe is so loved at the BBC so to not have her around is really noticeable."

Earlier in the year, Zoe took time off from her broadcasting duties due to personal reasons, dealing with the loss of her mother who passed away in April following a cancer diagnosis, and she also had to undergo emergency dental surgery.

On X, previously known as Twitter, there's been a noticeable uptick in disgruntled comments from listeners, with one user expressing their frustration: "Is this a BBC scandal, complete misuse of licence payers funds. Zoe Ball gets to pick and choose her contract terms and conditions. She never a work, more holidays than you can imagine. Are we mugs paying for this. No comment."

Another listener shared a similar view, stating: "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. Just saying."