Zoe Ball's heartbreaking year before quitting Radio 2 - family tragedy to Fatboy Slim reunion

Zoe Ball has quit her Radio 2 job, telling listeners today that she will be stepping down as presenter of the weekday Breakfast Show in December

Zoe Ball stunned fans when she announced she was quitting Radio 2 today.

After a heartbreaking year in which the popular presenter, 53, cancelled a number of shows and took a lengthy hiatus from work, Zoe, who sadly lost her mum, Julia Peckham, in April, told listeners she's "decided it's time to step away from the early alarm call and start a new chapter".

It's not known what the mum-of-two's next steps will be, but they may include a step back from the spotlight after a very dramatic year...

Losing her beloved mum, Julia

Zoe confirmed her mother Julia's death in April after announcing her pancreatic cancer diagnosis in March earlier this year. The Radio 2 star told listeners her mum had been transferred to a hospice as she thanked paramedics who helped her and dedicated a Bon Jovi song to them. She admitted that things were "pretty tough at the moment for the family."

Zoe said: "Things are really tough for my mum at the moment, just sending out loads of love. Love you mum." Days later, she announced the news of her mum's death on Instagram, posting: "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."

It continued: "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."

Breakfast Show absence

Following her mum's death, Zoe had been away from her Breakfast Show slot for six weeks, which reportedly left some of of her colleagues in the dark about the reason for her absence.

The much-loved broadcaster last appeared on her BBC Radio 2 show on August 8 before returning in September. Little had been said about the reason for Zoe's sudden absence, with one source on Zoe's team telling reporters: "This is all very tricky." While Zoe's son Woody broke his silence on the mystery last night, telling a reporter: "My mum and I like to keep our private lives to ourselves but I will say I have stepped up and spent a lot more time with her recently as she has always been there when I've had tough times. I'm glad to see her smiling."

'Wandering back' to work

However, in September Zoe "wandered back", telling listeners: "Morning gorgeous people it's me Zoe the happy wanderer. I've wandered back."

There had been no official reason given as to why Zoe, was absent and her mysterious absence confused fans after she had told social media followers: "See you at dawn," the night before her first day off in August.

However, after keeping a low profile for over a month, she was spotted with friends including ex-husband Norman Cook. Photos showed the star chatting and laughing with the group before walking along the beachfront. She also reunited with Norman two months earlier for her son Woody...

Reuniting with ex-husband, Fatboy Slim

Zoe and Fatboy Slim looked every inch the proud parents as they reunited to support their son, Woody, in July. The Radio 2 star and DJ, real name Norman Cook, 60, divorced after 18 years of marriage, but continue to co-parent Woody, 23, and his sister, Nelly, 14.

Woody is now following in his dad's footsteps, carving out an impressive DJ career of his own and when he played to a packed-out crowd in Brighton, Zoe and Norman partied along with him.

After the gig, Woody, who has also performed at Glastonbury, proudly shared the footage of his parents on social media with the caption: "Caught both parents dancing."

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