Zoe Ball emotionally reveals her mother Julia is now in a hospice as she says things are ‘really tough’ following her cancer diagnosis
Zoe Ball has told fans that her mother Julia Ball is now in hospice care after announcing her cancer diagnosis last week.
The 53-year-old radio presenter, who took a break to care for her sick mother, was replaced as presenter by Gaby Roslin, who stepped in at the last minute.
Zoe thanked Gaby for holding down the fort and shared an update on her mother with BBC Radio 2 listeners as she discussed her absence.
Zoe dedicated a Bon Jovi song to ‘amazing’ paramedics Bill and Simon who helped Julia get to a hospice this week.
She said: ‘They were so nice to her, so friendly, very funny and absolutely lovely.
Zoe Ball has told fans that her mother Julia Ball is now in hospice care after announcing her cancer diagnosis last week
The 53-year-old radio presenter, who took a break to care for her sick mother, was replaced as presenter by Gaby Roslin, who stepped in at the last minute
‘My mother is now in hospice care, which is quite difficult for the family at the moment. I just want to thank John, Scarlett and Charlie, both Charlies actually and Sophie and Laura, who really look after Mum.’
‘I know so many people in the same position as Jamie, my brother, and my dear mother right now.
‘It’s very difficult for my mother right now, I’m just sending lots of love. And especially for anyone running the marathon, this has a special purpose.
‘Big shout out to everyone who supports cancer charities, especially pancreatic cancer, you are all superheroes. Love you, Mom.”
She later posted on her Instagram page: “Thank you for all your kindness. The messages, letters and cards for our mother mean the world. Strength and love to the many families and people affected by cancer.
“I’m holding on tight and am so grateful for the wonderful people who care for our mother. We were these bluebells on the way to the hospice.”
Zoë pictured with her mother Julia in May 2010
On social media, Zoe shared a photo of her mother surrounded by family members
In March, Zoe revealed her plans to take some time away from Radio 2 following her mother’s diagnosis.
Zoe said she and her family were going through “tough times” amid her mother’s diagnosis, but praised her for being “brave”.
On social media, Zoe shared a photo of her mother surrounded by family members, along with another of her receiving chemotherapy.
Alongside the post she wrote: ‘Heartbreakingly, our beautiful Mama Julia has been diagnosed with cancer.
‘As many of you know from experience, these are extremely tough times. Mom is incredibly brave.
‘My brother Jamie and I are completely in awe of the brilliant doctors, nurses and support team caring for mum. Thank you.
‘Gratitude to our families and our extended family and friends at home and at work for their support at this time.
“I’m sending love to people reading this who are battling cancer or awaiting a diagnosis, and also to the people who are caring for their loved ones who are struggling.”
In March, Zoe revealed her plans to take some time away from Radio 2 following her mother’s diagnosis
Zoe wrote: ‘It’s heartbreaking that our beautiful Mama Julia has been diagnosed with cancer. ‘As many of you know from experience, these are extremely tough times’
She was inundated with well wishes from friends and followers after going public with the news of her mother’s diagnosis
In a previous interview, Zoe said: ‘I’m looking after my mum a bit now; I see her almost every day. She’s beautiful’ (pictured together in 2011)
Zoe added that Gaby would replace her on her breakfast show while she spends time with her mother.
She wrote: ‘I try to be at breakfast as often as possible, but sometimes I have to be home with my mother.
‘Thank you Gaby for intervening. Lots of love’.
Zoe presents The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show from 6.30am to 9.30am, having taken over from Chris Evans in 2019.
She was inundated with well wishes from friends and followers after going public with the news of her mother’s diagnosis.
Actress Amanda Abbington wrote, “Sending so much love to you and your beautiful family, my love. Most love.”
Fellow radio host Adele Roberts added: “Thinking of your amazing mother and sending so much love to you all.”
Julia Bradbury wrote: ‘I’m sorry to hear this Zoe. I wish you and the family love and courage through this ‘.
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Ola Jordan wrote: ‘Sending lots of love to you and your mum ‘.
In a 2013 interview with The Mail on Sunday, Zoe told how after her parents split, she lived with her father and stepmother.
She said: ‘I haven’t seen my mother Julia for a few years – she was very young when she married my father and had me, and when they separated I lived with my father and my other ‘mother’, his wife Diane. ‘
Her mother went through a difficult time after the death of her third husband, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2012.
‘I now take care of my mother a bit; I see her almost every day. She’s beautiful,” Zoë said at the time.