Zoe Ball ‘bereft’ as she announces death of mother after ‘advanced’ cancer diagnosis-Tori Brazier-Entertainment – Metro

Radio DJ Zoe Ball’s mother Julia Packham has died (Picture: Getty)

Zoe Ball has announced the death of her ‘dear Mama’, Julia Peckham, after she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The radio DJ, who had previously taken time off her BBC show to look after her, revealed her mother had been moved to hospice care last week.

Taking to Instagram in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Zoe wrote: ‘Sleep tight dear Mama.’

She added: ‘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.’

Alongside her message, she shared a picture of Peckham as a young woman, leaning over a handrail as she sat on a bridge, dressed in a blue jumper and wearing a pink bow in her hair.

Zoe credited mum Julia, who was moved to hospice care last week, for ‘teaching us how to love unconditionally’ (Picture: Rex/Shutterstock)

Zoe, 53, was flooded with messages of support after her difficult post, with her BBC Radio 2 colleague and former Strictly Star Richie Anderson writing: ‘So sorry Zo 😔 thinking of you all. Love you xxx’

‘Sending you so much love xxxx,’ added Claudia Winkleman, while newsreader Dan Walker shared: ‘She was a beaut Zoe ❤️ Hope you are doing ok.’

‘Oh my darling Zoe sending you love always. I am so so sorry. Love you dearly ❤️❤️,’ wrote Gaby Roslin, who had stepped in to cover Zoe’s slot in recent weeks, while her former Strictly partner Ian Waite replied: ‘Thinking of you and the family darling.’

Coronation Street star Antony Cotton also left a heartfelt message as he shared: ‘So glad to have met and chatted with her over the years. One thing is for sure – she was very proud to be your mum x.’

Zoe, whose father is TV star Johnny Ball, 85, had previously described the cancer diagnosis as an ‘extremely tough’ time.

The broadcaster’s son Woody Cook, who she shares with ex-husband Norman Cook better known as British DJ Fatboy Slim, also shared a tribute on Instagram.

Peckham’s grandson, Woody Cook, also paid tribute (Picture: Instagram/@zoetheball)

‘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.

Woody, 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 valentines 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.’

Last month, Zoe revealed that the cancer was ‘heartbreakingly quite advanced’ and the family were focusing on making memories together.

When she shared that her mother had been ‘gently’ moved into a hospice last week, she dedicated a Bon Jovi song to the paramedics who helped them.

‘Mum’s in hospice now, pretty tough at the moment for the family,’ shared Zoe as she thanked the people ‘who are really looking after mum’.

Zoe has had to take time off her show, meanwhile her Mamma Mia talent show with Alan Carr was shelved in April.

‘I know so many people in the same position as Jamie, my bro, and my dear mum at the moment,’ Zoe continued.

Zoe had been focused on making memories in recent weeks with her mother (Picture: Instagram/@zoetheball)

The radio star as a young child with her mother (Picture: Instagram/@zoetheball)

‘Things are really tough for my mum at the moment, just sending out loads of love. And, especially to anyone who is running the marathon this special causes.

‘Big shout out to anyone running for cancer charities, especially pancreatic cancer, you’re all superheroes. Love you mum.’

When she first revealed her mum’s diagnosis in early March, it was announced that Gaby Roslin, 59, would be stepping in whenever Zoe needed to take a break.

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