BBC Presenter Zoe Ball Mourns Mother’s Passing After Cancer Battle

Zoe Ball, renowned BBC Radio 2 presenter, is grieving the loss of her mother, Julia Peckham, following a courageous battle with cancer. The heartbreaking news was shared by Ball in a heartfelt message posted on X, previously known as Twitter, in the early hours of Wednesday, expressing, «Sleep tight dear Mama».

Since receiving the devastating diagnosis back in March, the 53-year-old host had been on a hiatus from her show, The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show. She mentioned that Gaby Roslin would step in periodically over the upcoming weeks.

Paying homage to her mother, Ball reflected, «Thank you for instilling in us the value of unconditional love, the importance of displaying bravery and empathy, and the notion that laughter is a priceless gift even in the darkest moments. While we are deeply saddened by your absence, we find solace in each other’s embrace.»

During the challenging time of her mother’s illness, Ball had previously expressed the gravity of the situation, terming it as an «extremely tough» period.

Tragically, the news arrived shortly after the presenter disclosed that her mother had been transferred to a hospice due to a further decline in her condition.

Meanwhile, Woody Cook, Ball’s son from her marriage to Norman Cook, widely known as British DJ Fatboy Slim, also paid tribute to his late grandmother on Instagram. Posting a throwback photo with her, the 23-year-old reminisced, «Today I bid farewell to Granny J, thank you for being an exceptional woman.»

Cook also fondly remembered his grandmother’s late husband, Rick Peckham, adding, «The sole person who consistently sent me a Valentine’s card. I’m certain you’re reunited with Rick now, please convey my regards to him. I recall his advice to you during a helicopter ride over the Jungle, ‘If you get lost, follow the river!’ You’ll be reunited with him at the end of your journey.»

Additionally, Mr. Cook, who rose to fame through his appearance on the reality show The Circle on Netflix in 2019, highlighted the special bond and cherished memories with his grandmother, further emphasizing the loss felt by their family.