Zoe Ball has announced on her social media this morning (Tuesday, 24 April) that her mum Julia Peckham has passed away following her battle with cancer.The BBC Radio 2 star revealed last month that her mum had received a devastating diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and said she was "being incredibly brave" following the news.
Sharing the sad update that her mum had now passed away, Zoe, 53, wrote a very emotional message on her Twitter (X) and Instagram accounts, on Tuesday morning which said: "sleep tight dear Mama. "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. your grace & your smile that lit up every room you were in, will light the stars to guide us." Her tribute post, which also featured an old photo of a younger Julia, received a flurry of heartfelt comments from her followers, including many from her showbiz circles.
Actress Tamzin Outhwaite wrote: "So sorry Zoe. Your mum sounds beautiful… What a credit to her you are", while author and BBC Radio 4 presenter Richard Coles commented: "Prayers assured, Zoe." Former Countdown star Carol Vorderman commented on her Instagram post, writing: "I'm so sorry to hear that you’ve lost your Mum Zoe.