Zoe Ball has shared the “heartbreaking” news that her mother has cancer, and says she will be taking time away from her radio show to spend time with her.

The 53-year-old broadcaster posted a family photo on social media, showing her mum surrounded by her grandchildren, and Zoe’s brother Jamie.

She also revealed that presenter Gaby Roslin would be stepping in to cover her while she was away.

Ball 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.

“Gratitude to our families & our extended family & friends at home & at work for their support at this time.”

Ball also said she was thinking about anyone else dealing with a cancer diagnosis right now.

BBC apologises to family at centre of Huw Edwards scandal

Graham Norton to leave Virgin Radio weekend show

Grange Hill and Brookside star Stuart Organ, who played Mr Robson in TV school drama, dies

She wrote: “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.

“I’m trying to be at work on breakfast as often as I can but occasionally need to be home with my Mama. Thanks to Gaby for stepping in. Lots of love.”

Ball’s celebrity friends including Davina McCall, Alex Jones, Stacey Dooley, Louise Redknapp and Matt Baker were quick to offer their support, commenting on the post and sending love.

Ball was the first female host of both the Radio 1 and Radio 2 breakfast shows, and took over her current Radio 2 role from Chris Evans when he left the show in 2019.

Born in Buckinghamshire, Ball lived with her father – children’s presenter Johnny Ball – after her parents divorced when she was just two years old.

Related posts:

Ellie Goulding ‘happy and healthy’ after giving birth to first child Billie Eilish: Sexual exploitation of young people goes on ‘everywhere’ Status Quo founding bass player dies aged 72, band’s manager confirms McFly’s Tom Fletcher tests positive for COVID after first week of Strictly ‘Sexism, ageism and misogyny’: Madonna criticises Instagram for taking down risqué photos French TV star Igor Bogdanoff dies ‘from COVID’ days after twin brother Grichka Dr Strange actress and husband await verdict on child sex charges Jerry Sadowitz calls for apology after cancelled gig amid claims of ‘extreme’ racism and sexism Melanie Lynskey, Silo, and Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 3 Enninful stepping down as British Vogue editor to take on new role Missed out on tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour? Here’s how you can still watch it Bruce Springsteen postpones remainder of 2023 tour