BBC Radio 2 host has announced that she will be stepping back from her breakfast show in the future after receiving some heartbreaking family news.
Ball took to her Instagram where she shared a photo of her mother surrounded by her family members and another of her receiving chemotherapy.
She shared in a lengthy caption: “Heartbreakingly our beautiful Mama Julia has been diagnosed with Cancer. As many of you know from experience, these are extremely tough times. Mum is being incredibly brave.
“My brother Jamie & I are completely in awe of the brilliant Doctors, Nurses & support teams looking after Mum. Thank you.
“Gratitude to our families & our extended family & friends at home & at work for their support at this time.
“Sending out love to people reading this who are battling cancer, or awaiting diagnosis & also to the folk looking after their dear ones who are poorly.
Zoe Ball will be away from Breakfast for a while
GETTY/BBC
“I’m trying to be at work on breakfast as often as I can but occasionally need to be home with my Mama. Thanks to Gaby for stepping in. Lots of love.”
Gaby Roslin stood in for Ball today and according to the BBC Radio 2 schedule on the BBC website, she will be filling in again tomorrow.
Ball’s friends in the industry were quick to show their support for the radio DJ, with Carol Vorderman commenting: “Wishing you all the biggest love and hope and thoughts.”
“Sending so much love,” Claudia Winkleman echoed before Kate Bottley said: “You never face anything alone. You are loved and that’s the strongest thing in the world. We got you.”
Sarah Cawood expressed: “Oh Zoe my darling, this is awful news and I’m so sorry. Sending your mama so much love and strength to take on the challenges she now faces.
“And to you too, in supporting her. Massive massive cuddles to you all.”
Amanda Abbington noted: “Sending you and your beautiful family so much love my darling. The most love.” (sic)
Fans of Ball’s were also quick to send their love and wished her mother a speedy and healthy recovery, hoping to see her back on the show soon.
Zoe Ball opened up on some sad family news
GETTY
Ball has been open about her family’s struggles and said in 2013 how her mother had been going through a difficult time then after the death of her third husband who had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease the year before.
“I am looking after my mum a bit now; I see her pretty much every day. She is gorgeous,” Zoe said.
