Zoe Ball revealed that her mother’s cancer is ‘quite advanced’ and she concentrated on ‘creating memories’ after her diagnosis.
The 53-year-old host returned to her BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show on Monday after taking some time off to look after her mum Julia Peckham, who has been diagnosed with the illness.
She was back on air this morning, and informed her listeners: ‘It’s me! I’ve missed you all, I’ve been looking after my dear ma but back to bother you though.’
Later in the show, she gave an emotional update on her mum’s condition.
‘Regrettably, heartbreakingly her cancer is quite advanced but we’re making loads of lovely memories and taking care of her,’ Zoe said. ‘She has some amazing people around her.’
The former It Takes Two host also spoke of her ‘new found admiration for all carers’, while joking about the amount of housework she’s been doing.
‘I have realised that perhaps my calling was below stairs after all! I make a fine tea, I’ve been doing a marvellous lot of ironing and doing lots of admin,’ she said.
‘I’ve had some real heartbreaking messages from people who have lost loved ones to cancer recently, you are all in my heart.’
Zoe also had some kind words of gratitude for hospital staff and ‘a very nice pair of chaps called Vic and Tom’ who took them in an ambulance to A&E last week.
‘My mum and I had never been in an ambulance before. It was fascinating stuff. There was an amazing team at A&E, all of them doing such amazing work,’ she praised.
She added: ‘I’ve met some lovely people after going in and out of hospitals for the past few weeks.
‘Many of you have been telling me your own stories about loved ones and your own cancer stories so thank you for sharing. Those messages have meant so much, I’ve been reading them out to my my mum.’
Despite being a BBC star herself, Zoe joked that she and her mum have mainly been tuned into rivals ITV instead.
‘I have now watched a lot of a certain channel with my mum, I now know my mum’s habits,’ she teased.
‘GMB with Susanna Reid and then we have a bit of Lorraine and then a bit of Cat [Deeley] and Ben [Shephard] on This Morning and then a lot of Ben on Tipping Point.’
Earlier this month, Zoe revealed her mother had been diagnosed with cancer in a very sad statement on X.
She wrote: ‘Heartbreakingly our beautiful Mama Julia has been diagnosed with Cancer. As many of you know from experience, these are extremely tough times. Mum is being incredibly brave.
‘My brother Jamie & I are completely in awe of the brilliant Doctors, Nurses & support teams looking after Mum. Thank you 💙🙏🏼.’
Alongside a sweet family photo and a picture of her mum, Zoe went on: ‘Sending out love to people reading this who are battling cancer, or awaiting diagnosis & also to the folk looking after their dear ones who are poorly.’
She said that Gaby Roslin, 59, will take over her position on BBC Radio 2, but mentioned she will try to work as much as possible.
‘I’m attempting to work on breakfast show as frequently as possible but sometimes need to stay home with my mother. Grateful to Gaby for filling in. Much love,’ Zoe expressed.
