Zoe Ball Takes Extended Leave from BBC Radio 2
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball will be absent from her breakfast show for several weeks, confirming speculation following her unexpected absence last week.
The news emerged after Ballâs planned Friday morning interview with singer Will Young was instead conducted by Gaby Roslin. On Monday, Scott Mills, a former BBC Radio 1 presenter, took over the breakfast slot, reassuring listeners that Zoeâs absence was not due to any emergency and that she would be back in September.
A BBC spokesperson confirmed to Express.co.uk that Ball is "taking time off".
Will Young, who had looked forward to the interview with Zoe, posting on his Instagram Story: "Jumping in to album release day tomorrow on @bbcradio2. @zoetheball bring your swimmers," was greeted by Gaby Roslin instead. Neither Gaby nor Scott Mills have publicly disclosed the reason for Ball's extended break.
Ball had only returned to her Radio 2 show a week earlier after a summer holiday break, cheekily asking her listeners, "What did I miss?"
The news of Ball's absence comes after a difficult year for the presenter. She lost her mother, Julia, earlier this year after a battle with cancer, sharing the news in March. Ball subsequently took sporadic breaks from the show to care for her mother, who she described as "incredibly brave". Sadly, Julia passed away just weeks later, leaving Ball "bereft".
Ball's extended break follows closely on the heels of her motherâs birthday, the first since her passing. This poignant timing suggests that the presenter may be taking time to process her grief and commemorate her mother's life.
While the exact reason for Ball's absence remains unconfirmed, her decision to take time off demonstrates her commitment to prioritizing her well-being during a period of personal loss and reflection.
