Zoe Ball announces death of her mum after cancer battle
Zoe Ball has announced on her social media this morning (Tuesday, 24 April) that her mum Julia Peckham has passed away following her battle with cancer. The BBC Radio 2 star revealed last month that her mum had received a devastating diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and said she was "being incredibly brave" following the news.
Sharing the sad update that her mum had now passed away, Zoe, 53, wrote a very emotional message on her Twitter (X) and Instagram accounts, on Tuesday morning which said: "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. your grace & your smile that lit up every room you were in, will light the stars to guide us."
Her tribute post, which also featured an old photo of a younger Julia, received a flurry of heartfelt comments from her followers, including many from her showbiz circles. Actress Tamzin Outhwaite wrote: "So sorry Zoe. Your mum sounds beautiful… What a credit to her you are", while author and BBC Radio 4 presenter Richard Coles commented: "Prayers assured, Zoe."
Former Countdown star Carol Vorderman commented on her Instagram post, writing: "I'm so sorry to hear that you’ve lost your Mum Zoe. But with these beautiful words you’ve brought her into so many other hearts. She must have been very proud of you [heart emoji] with love." Zoe's former Strictly co-star Claudia Winkelman also responded to her post to send the star and her family "so much love xxxx".
The update from the former It Takes Two presenter, which also included an old photograph of her mum, came just days after she shared that Julia had been moved into a hospice for end-of-life care.
Zoe took a break from her regular The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show when she first announced her mum's "quite advanced" cancer and was replaced by Gaby Roslin on air, but returned earlier this month and paid tribute to the medical staff caring for her.
When she returned to the studio on 17 April, she dedicated a Bon Jovi track played on air to the paramedic team, thanking them for "really looking after" Julia. "Mum's in hospice now, pretty tough at the moment for the family," Zoe shared "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 continued, adding a heartfelt tribute to those taking part in the London Marathon this Sunday, April 21: "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."
