Zoe Ball supported as she announces mum's death just weeks after sharing cancer diagnosis

Zoe Ball has been flooded with messages of condolence after she announced the death of her mum, weeks after sharing news of her cancer diagnosis.

BBC Radio 2 star Zoe announced the sad news on social media in the early hours of Wednesday morning (April 24), by sharing a picture of her late mother Julia with her followers and admitting she is "bereft" following her beloved mum's passing.

The 53-year-old broadcaster first shared the news of Julia's cancer diagnosis last month, explaining that she would be taking some time away from her Radio 2 role in order to care for her mother. "I'm trying to be at work on breakfast as often as I can but occasionally need to be home with my Mama," she said at the time.

READ MORE: Christine McGuinness' three-word message about love life after celebrity boyfriend reports

Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and Breaking News group by clicking this link

Since then, Zoe confirmed last week that Julia had been moved into a hospice before at 4.44am on Wednesday morning, she announced her mother's death.

Captioning a picture of Julia on X, formerly known as Twitter, Zoe wrote: "sleep tight dear Mama. 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."

The heartbreaking post was also shared on Instagram with the comments quickly flooding with messages of love and support for Zoe and her family. Presenter Emma Willis said: "Sending you and your family all our love." Coronation Street actor Antony Cotton replied: "So glad to have met and chatted with her over the years. One thing is for sure - she was very proud to be your mum."

Radio 2 co-star Richie Anderson commented: "so sorry Zo. Thinking of you all. Love you." Singer and actor Jason Donovan posted: "Thinking of you and your family Zoe! Much love, Donovan’s." Claudia Winkleman shared: "Sending you so much love." Dan Walker added: "She was a beaut Zoe. Hope you are doing ok."

Sitting in for Zoe on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show this morning, Gaby Roslin was one of the first to pay tribute to Julia and send her love to grieving Zoe and her family. "It's no secret Zoe has been off for a little while looking after her mum, Julia" Gaby said as she opened the show just hours after Zoe's social media statement.

"Very sadly, Julia lost her fight yesterday and we're all obviously sending so much love to Zoe and the whole family," Gaby continued. "It's a horrible, awful time - and I know so many of you have been through this, loving a parent and a loved one, and I think the one thing i'd like to pass on is, grief has no rule. There are no rules about this at all."

Gaby then told her friend: "Zoe, you know I have got your back - I'll always have your back. I love you dearly, you're a very dear friend and all of us on the team love you and send you so much love. And to anybody else who is fighting the fight and being as brave as they can be, I am sending you lots of love as well." Gaby then played Fleetwood Mac's Songbird for her grieving friend.

It comes after Zoe returned to her BBC Radio Two breakfast show on April 17, 2024, where she dedicated a touching Bon Jovi track to the paramedics who had "gently" helped transition Julia to the hospice care. During the broadcast, Zoe said "Mum's in hospice now, pretty tough at the moment for the family", and expressed her gratitude: "I just want to say thank you to John, Scarlett and Charlie, both Charlies, actually, and Sophie and Laura who are really looking after mum."

She also paid tribute to those running in the London Marathon on Sunday (April 21) saying: "Things are really tough for my mum at the moment, just sending out loads of love. And, especially to anyone who is running the marathon this special causes. Big shout out to anyone running for cancer charities, especially pancreatic cancer, you're all superheroes. Love you, mum."