Zoe Ball’s mother Julia Peckham has died following an illness with cancer, the BBC presenter has said.
The BBC Radio 2 host made the announcement on X, formerly Twitter, early on Wednesday with the message, “Sleep tight dear Mama,”.
Ball has been taking time away from The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show since the “heart breaking” diagnosis in March.
The 53-year-old also said Gaby Roslin would “occasionally” replace her in the coming weeks.
Paying tribute to her mother, Ball wrote: “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.”
Ball had previously described the cancer diagnosis as an “extremely tough” time.
The news comes just days after the DJ shared that her mother had been moved to a hospice as her condition further deteriorated.
The broadcaster’s son Woody Cook, who she shares with ex-husband Norman Cook better known as British DJ Fatboy Slim, also took to Instagram to share a tribute.
“Today I say goodbye to Granny J, thank you for being a wonderful woman,” the 23-year-old said, sharing a younger picture with his grandmother.
Cook, who appeared on Netflix reality series The Circle in 2019, also referenced his grandmother’s late husband Rick Peckham.
He said: “The only person who always sent me a Valentine’s 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.”
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
