Zoe Ball, the first female host of both the Radio 1 and Radio 2 breakfast shows, posted on her social media that her mother, Julia Peckham, who was diagnosed with cancer, passed away.
Upon the devastating diagnosis, Ball took some time off work to take care of her mother and spend more time with her. She also informed her fans that presenter Gaby Roslin would be covering her job during her absence.
“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,” Ball posted on her social media.
Early on Wednesday, Ball posted on X that her mother lost the battle to cancer.
“We are bereft without you but will hold so tight to each other,” the presenter posted. “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.”
Days before her passing, Julia had been moved into a hospice.
In the past, Ball opened up about her estranged relationship with her mother and how the two formed a close bond again after 14 years.
When her parents divorced, Ball stayed with her father, the children’s TV presenter Johnny Ball, and she hadn’t seen her mother from the time she was five until her late twenties, BBC wrote.
The two reunited at Julia’s 40th birthday party celebration, an invitation Ball gathered the courage to respond to.
We are so very sorry for this loss. May she rest in peace.
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