Zoe Ball's ex-husband Fatboy Slim praises BBC amid concerns around her absence

Zoe Ball's former husband has commended the BBC amid concerns over her prolonged absence from Radio 2.

Concerns are rising among fans due to Zoe, 53, having been away from her Radio 2 duties for a five-week stretch. She last graced the airwaves of her breakfast show on August 8, and since then, presenters including Scott Mills and Gaby Roslin have stepped in to fill her spot.

Although there were murmurs suggesting a September return, the BBC has not provided any specific comeback date.

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During this extended leave, fans have been vocal about their worries for Zoe, even approaching her son Woody, whom she shares with Fatboy Slim real name Norman Cook. Responding on social media, 61-year-old Norman gave kudos to the BBC for granting him access to the extensive music collection of John Peel.

Norman took to Instagram showing a series of photos at Peel Acres, the home of Peels music archive, visibly ecstatic as he navigated rows upon rows of vinyl records and paused for a moment at John's old mixing desk. In his heartfelt caption, Norman wrote: "I spent a glorious day, rummaging at Peel acres....

"I felt like a kid in a (very big, very legendary) sweet shop! John is one of my biggest idols. A huge inspiration who shaped my musical taste. Thank you so much to the Peel family for having us and to @tomravo @bbc6music for making this great show. Listen to the show on @bbcsounds."

This was shared by a fan of the late Wirral-born DJ John Peel, who served BBC Radio 1 from 1967 until his death in 2004.

Zoe Ball, a well-known radio and TV personality, took an extended break earlier this year after her mother Julie Peckham was diagnosed with cancer. Tragically, she announced a few weeks later that her mother had passed away.

She briefly returned to the Radio 2 breakfast show in early August, but was soon replaced by Scott Mills and has not been back since.

Listeners have voiced their concerns on social media about Zoe's absence. One listener asked: "What has happened to Zoe Ball? She's been off the Radio for 5 weeks in total - no mention of her whatsoever the last few weeks. I hope she's ok," while another simply posted: "I hope #ZoeBall is OK."

Scott Mills, who filled in for Zoe on the network, previously explained her absence to listeners. "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," he said.

According to the BBC schedule, Zoe is set to return to broadcasting on September 23.

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