Zoe Ball’s heartbreaking final photo of mother Julia is revealed as devastated BBC Radio 2 DJ confirms her death to pancreatic cancer

Zoe Ball shared the last photos of her mother Julia during a New Year’s holiday in the Caribbean, four months before her death from pancreatic cancer.

The BBC Radio 2 star confirmed her death in an Instagram post on Wednesday morning, alongside a photo of Julia in her youth.

Ball, 52, had previously announced her mother’s cancer diagnosis in March, shortly after posting Julia’s last photo, taken during a family vacation in Antigua.

The presenter flew to the Caribbean island with her loved ones – including son Woody, 23, daughter Nelly, 14, and mother Julia – for a tropical New Year’s holiday in December.

On January 7, Ball shared on social media a montage of photos and videos from the trip, including a photo of herself and Julia enjoying a night out.

The presenter flew with her loved ones – including son Woody, daughter Nelly and mother Julia – to the Caribbean island in December for a tropical New Year’s holiday

She wrote in the messages: ‘sons, suns and daughters, mothers wanderers and daughters, rumtums and blue waters cracking at the end of 2023 and a beautiful beginning of 2024. I feel mighty blessed, rested and a little fat.’

Earlier this week, Ball told her BBC Radio 2 listeners that Julia had been transferred to a hospice, as she dedicated a Bon Jovi song to paramedics who helped her.

Just before 5 a.m. on Wednesday, the beloved broadcaster shared the news of her mother’s death on Instagram. In tribute, she said, “Sleep well dear mommy.

“Thank you for teaching us to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy. And how laughter, even in the darkest days, is the greatest gift.

It continued, “We are bereft without you, but we will hold each other so tight. Your grace and your smile that lit up every room you were in will light up the stars to guide us.”

After announcing her mother’s illness last month, Gaby Roslin stepped in “occasionally” to fill in for her on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show so the couple could spend time together.

Ball shared the heartbreaking news last week that Julia was being transferred to hospice, telling listeners that it’s been “pretty tough on the family right now.”

She said: ‘It’s really hard for my mum at the moment, I’m just sending lots of love. Love you, Mom.”

Julia in another photo taken during the trip to Antigua. Her death was confirmed by Ball on Wednesday morning

Ball announced the death of her “dear mom” in the early hours of Wednesday morning alongside a photo of Julia in her youth

Ball’s son Woody Cook also referenced his grandmother’s late husband, Rick Peckham, who died in 2013, adding, “I know you’re with Rick now, give him a hug from me”

BBC presenter Ball is pictured with her mother Julia at London’s Dorchester Hotel in 2011

The announcer’s son Woody, whom she shares with ex-husband Norman Cook – better known as British DJ Fatboy Slim – also shared a tribute on Instagram.

“Today I say goodbye to Grandma J, thank you for being an amazing woman,” he wrote, sharing a younger photo with his grandmother.

Woody, who appeared in the 2019 Netflix reality series The Circle, also referenced his grandmother’s late husband, Rick Peckham.

He said, “The one person who always sent me a Valentine’s Day card. I know you’re with Rick now, give him a hug from me.

“I know he said once when you were panicking in a helicopter over the jungle, ‘If you get lost, follow the river!’ You’ll find him at the end.’

Ball revealed her mother’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis on March 6, when she told fans on social media that she would take time to focus on her family, who were going through “tough times,” but added that her mother was extremely ” courageous’.

Despite her mother’s diagnosis, Ball remained positive as she told fans at the time that she is “in awe” of the nurses and doctors responsible for her care.

Zoe and Julia Ball pictured at the premiere afterparty for Sex and the City 2 in 2010

Ball shared a photo of her mother surrounded by family members on social media in December

Posting a photo of Julia surrounded by family last month, as well as a photo of her receiving chemotherapy in hospital, 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.”