After her mother was diagnosed with cancer, radio host Zoe Ball took a break from her Breakfast show to provide care.
Zoe’s mother, Julia Peckham, celebrated her birthday on August 29, 1949. In March 2024, Zoe shared the news of Julia’s cancer diagnosis on Instagram, expressing her heartbreak and admiration for her mother’s bravery.
Zoe wrote, “Our beautiful Mama Julia has been diagnosed with Cancer, which breaks my heart. These are tough times, but Mom is being incredibly brave. My brother Jamie and I are in awe of the excellent care she is receiving from the doctors, nurses, and support staff.”
She also thanked their extended families and friends for their support during this challenging period, and announced she would be stepping away from work to assist her mother.
When Zoe returned to her Breakfast show on April 17, 2024, she shared that Julia had been moved to a hospice. Zoe expressed her gratitude on air, thanking those who had helped her mother and added, “Mom is now in hospice care. It’s a difficult time for us, but I want to thank everyone who has been so supportive.”
Zoe’s mother Julia, 74, passed away on April 24, 2024, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Zoe paid tribute to her on social media with a touching post featuring a photo of Julia and the message, “Sleep tight, dear Mama. Thank you for showing us unconditional love, bravery, and the importance of laughter, even on tough days.”
She added, “We will miss you deeply but will hold on to each other tightly. Goodbye to Granny J, and thank you for being such a wonderful woman. You were the only person who always sent me a Valentine’s card.”
Julia married TV host Johnny Ball in 1969 and had Zoe on November 23, 1970. The couple separated when Zoe was two, and Julia was no longer married to Johnny by 1972.
Zoe has previously spoken about the challenges she faced after her parents’ split and her time living with her father and his wife Diane.
In recent years, Zoe and Julia had grown very close, and Zoe supported her mother after her husband Richard’s passing in 2013.
Zoe also mentioned her brother Jamie Clark, born in Februar
