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.

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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.

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